Shadows and Shade

Thoughts so thick
they muddle my mind,
bleach my bones,
cruel and unkind

Brought out bare
the spotlight on,
my insides out,
defenses gone

A flame, once out,
won't be relit,
so leave me out
of love's orbit

I won't stand naked -
vulnerable -
it'd be, for me,
insufferable

I'll tear it out,
I'll choke it down,
hold it under,
watch it drown

Anything
to remain free
to be alone -
and happily

This burnt-out light,
my blown-out flame;
there's no going back,
I'm out of the game