A flame flickers in the corner of my eye
Thoughts run with ticker tape messages
What-if’s begin to tip the scales of reality
Fear takes control and starts to breathe
Frozen in a pool of self doubt and angst
Destructive defenses ignite a hidden wick
Forgotten insecurities rise from the ashes
Loathing reflections you can’t escape
Familiar shadows burst from their cages
Beauty blurs as hate smears your view
Blinds slowly close on the beacon you follow
Sadness grips as the remaining light fades
Hinges creak on the bolted doorway
Desperation screams with renewed panic
Unwanted comfortable pain has kept a key
Waiting patiently sits that spiral staircase
Like the back of your hand…you know just where to step