As I stood in the doorway, naked, stripped down to my soul
nobody was laughing.. that was the goal.
I wanted them to see a side to me that maybe they didn't know
and see how much I ended up losing my self control!
More importantly, I wanted to be seen as a person, in whole.
I looked at them, waiting to feel accepted.
Sweat pouring down my face, I was feeling desperate.
Nobody spoke, so I just kept going.
Room after room I just kept showing.
believe it or not, I was improving;
I kept on, to continue growing!
I wasn't looking for glory, I just felt compelled to tell my story
the last room is going to be the hardest, if I can get through it,
it will make me the strongest.
been a long time since that door had been opened,
so long since my pain had been coped with.
I didn't even want to see, but with my hand on the knob, I turned it with ease.
I knew I was ready for a brand new version of me.
yep, the basement I wasn't quick to share.
but, I knew it was time to face the demons that hide in there.
the fear paralyzed me so much it wasn't fair!
my body tensed, as I lead them down the stairs.
it's dark, and cold so I reach for the light.
it's a little different during the day;
I'm use to seeing this place at night.
I turn, & grip the rail, extremely tight,
I take a deep breath and exhale it slowly...
I stand up straight and face the first one boldly...
This one I recognize immediately.. he tempts me with money a lump sum indeed... I walk right past him,
he has nothing I need.
what was his name again?! oh yeah... it was greed.
I walk a tid bit further when another one comes out.
I remember you... your name is doubt.
funny I use to listen to you , as you would shout
saying I would never make anyone proud.
so glad I finally learned what you were all about.
Over in the corner I see someone lurking,
trying to hide in the shadow, but, I notice that he's smirking, walk over there I must.
there's been many times he's fooled me with lust.
but I'm older now and more wiser too.
I know better than to put my trust in you.
I walked right by him not giving him a second glance...
another familiar stranger, with whom I use to dance...
he knew he use to could put me in a trance,
but here I am taking the final stance...
a broken mirror is what he wore upon his back , all the pieces glued nicely at each crack..
so proud, he wore it as a plaque, all except for the one piece is all it lacked.
looking around, I was sure it was somewhere on the floor.
Turned to look for it, then heard a creak at the door.
My attention shot to the other side of the basement, up underneath the stairs, a beautiful broken woman to my amazement.
I notice she's trying not to stare.
she looks away so fast,
I barely caught a glare, as I get closer to her, I see her face is nearly bare.
who are you I say to myself, starting to come aware...
but as soon as I started to walk away, she grabs my hand to pull me near
and whispered into my ear... "I never thought you'd find me, I'm so glad that you're here! "
As she spoke, the words echoed inside of my mind... I had finally found what I'd never thought I'd find.
the piece to the mirror I was trying to see? It was me,
and I had found the missing link.
Forgetting I had an audience, but couldn't even speak..... they just watched as I put myself together, adjusting the final piece.
SNLpoetry
11/2021
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