The Wall

Behind mind-made, cobwebbed bricks I cower

From an element beyond my power.

Through strip-lit office gossip I seethe –

Wire pulled shoulders make it so hard to breathe.

Does it help to talk? Spaces in between

Words fall through cracks, forgotten or unseen.

The whisper of a stopped secret unsaid;

Smiles smother screams that echo in your head.

Pour a cork-popped liberal glass; ease sorrow

Then, skull skin to porcelain tomorrow

That ruby release dances on eyes

Tired of tears. Grape and grain aren’t your allies.

Magazines say sport helps – they shriek upbeat

Advice, as if being quick on your feet

And running to stand still causes clouds to break.

It won’t. Your bones will match your heart and ache.

So, I watch movies where morals glisten

Like muscles; sweating seen evil. Listen:

In hard times we need heroes to hold us

And Mark Wahlberg has very broad shoulders.