A Cellar of Shame

POETRY | KNOW THYSELF, HEAL THYSELF

A poetic response to Spooktober Week 3

In this abandoned cellar — dark and deep
I store all my shame — bottled-up, corked
leaving it heavy upon bowed, wooden shelves
Unable to bear its burden, I hide it away
Surely life can go on if I bury my pain?

But this shame, this pain, will not be denied
it escapes through crevices like a molten mist
oozes out like lava ready to destroy all life
smothers love, peace, and joy in sulphuric ash
How can I survive in a life such as this?

No longer wishing to be damaged beyond repair
it’s time to smash and bash this damnable shame
tear down these shelves that struggle to contain
destroy these cellar walls; walk out into the rain
release shame to the aether and begin life again

©2021 Lori Carlson. All Rights Reserved.

Lori Carlson writes Poetry, Fiction, Articles, Creative Non-Fiction, and Personal Essays. Most of her topics are centered around Relationships, Spirituality, Life Lessons, Mental Health, Nature, Loss, Death, and the LGBTQ+ community. Check out her personal Medium blog here.

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