Remaining Prisoners Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Despair layered on top of itself for years,
a grief hidden behind laughter and a sweet
disposition from childhood.

Reaching out, but never grasping her future
with innate talent and gifts.

A mind, rich in ideas with no way to let them
out, for fear of both failure and success - a
double-edged sword to her fragile being.

Holding her hostage within, without realizing
it's her self that's crushing her spirit and
self-worth.

Wanting to hug her, let her cry her heart out,
I cannot, knowing she's in the same place that
I am, afraid to touch or feel all the pain of
a lifetime.

Is there any help for either of us or will we
remain in a prison of another's choosing to
the ends of our lives as friends?

(10: 17 p.m. - 2/20/11)