Safer in Shadows

I go to this place
Every now and then
Where light distorts
Where roads divert
Where I digress

Too close to the center
Stand on the edge
Safer in shadows
Invisible girl

My house is haunted
By a ghost with my name
Who wanders
Without
Direction

An outcast
On the outskirts
A tumor
Unremoved

I wish they'd see me
I wish they'd know
Pink rose
Blue briar
A name in all the noise

Want and need
Guilt and greed
Must break this cycle
A riddle unsolved

I save my sight
Summon my strength
Prepare to pretend
I'll be okay
I'm not afraid

Paranoid princess
Kneel before the king
Watch for the arrows
Make your retreat

I hide behind my eyes
Alone in the dark
Away from the fray
Better to be here
Than face the light

Unseen
Unheard
No dream
No words

Until I gather myself,
And open my eyes.