THE DOOR UNLOCKED

Sometimes when you unlock a door into the soul, there is a darkness which has to be let out so that the light can come in.

I open the rusty gate, and step

across the threshold into my past,

where shadows open up to reveal

memories, long

hidden from scrutiny,

which scar the mind with

images of the crucifixion of youth.

I was alone before I came, but

now they appear, those ghosts

who devour and kill their prey.

I cannot defend myself from their attack

which is so familiar to me,

because I once cowered

in naked terror,

defeated and helpless.

But now before the court of history

I am here as the living witness

and will not be silent.