Arboretum 1

Somewhat self-reflective piece about the person we try to make ourselves so society will accept us, but then meeting someone who makes you feel like taking down those barriers.

Walls of brick and stone are erected in days and weeks,

Untroubled they last for generations,

Some tall and wide others humble and stout,

Segregation, protection or beauty they are designed.

All our lives we try to see our own flaws,

To make us better friends and lovers,

Eyes opened wide for those we choose to look deep,

Thoughts and desires expectantly transparent.

Barriers we build ourselves are stronger and cumbersome to scale,

Most of them go unseen and unchallenged,

Our protection against hardship and frailty,

Segregation, protection or desire they are formed.

The walls we fashion are cracked,

Rare they block completely our true person,

Sometimes honest breath shines through,

Autumn sun breaking the red leaves of ancient oak.

The silence of night is tempting to grasp at,

Old walls sheltered from erosion,

Kindred we feel to the nocturnal animals,

Safer we feel with rage plugging our cracks.

Segregation, protection and injustice we cover our eyes.

Author's Note

All comments welcome