Scars in my mind that won’t heal
Thoughts in my heart that won’t feel
Words on my lips that won’t be spoken
The links in my chain are broken

Force a smile to pretend it’s fine
Numb the pain with a bottle of wine
Avoid eye contact with a blank gaze
No one bothers you while in a daze

Painful memories I try to hide
Shameful secrets I keep inside
Think what you will – maybe it’s true
But know that dark skies fade to blue

We’re all animals inside a cage
We’re all actors on the stage
We portray a version others will accept
We’re piles of ashes waiting to be swept.

A poem | by Jason S. Sullivan, 08-01-19