Pandora's Secrets

I'm missing a great day outside.
Since I am not motivated to write.
here is something from my friend
and poet:


Secrets

Screen door slamming
Back porch, leaving
Staircase-three, four, five
Long walk, slowly
Trudging footfall
Looming doors alive

Moving, reluctant
Hands are winding
Wringing, clammy, cold
Heart beats faster
Round the corner
First door squeaks in protest

Concrete stairs
And spider's webs
Dust and dirt, and grime
Going lower
Lower going
And the passage starts to wind

Basement dark
My inner hell
And hands that reach and tear
Lie me down
On sawdust floor
Descend into my mind
Sickly breath
Panting, heavy
Hateful touch and sight
Until the end
Not just spirit rend
So dirty, I may never be clean again

Bile is rising
Hate lies tempting
My name a curse uttered low
Secrets secrets
That's what he whispers
That no one must ever know

Who could I tell?
I think inside
And share this shame that burns?
Secrets secrets
It must stay secret
Else pain will slither
And torment seek
And find my precious dear
If I should tell
This fear not quell
then sister shares
My private hell
For now alone
I bear the sin
But if I speak
He'll bring her in
And so in my hands
My childish hands
I hold her fate
And mine

1/26/00