Combating Silence

Living in a glasshouse, no closets, unafraid,

Stitched together by mistakes, I feel pride, not shame.

Skeletons on display, I'll tell you my secrets,

Without armor, stripped-down visibly branded by bullets.

Wet laundry outside drying by air,

Weight lifted - deep breathes - I'll wave when you stare.

Wrists with tattoos masking invisible cuts,

Classy and professional but also half nuts.

The line between public vs. private condemned,

Tripping over heirloom rugs beneath silence stems.

Live your truth, be your authentic self,

Unless, oh-no-wait, delete - please disguise, hide that part behind the shelf.

Poetically penning in code to maintain levels of peace,

Abusers protected, powerful - victims ravaged, emotionally deceased.

Reality, facts, dynamics - weighing the choice,

Preserving identities without losing my voice.

Combustible cylinder lid screwed on too tight,

Sparking propane tank designed to ignite.

Pure intentions, gold heart but too rebellious - "it's not always your way,"

What do you hope to gain when devastating consequences are at play.

Stomach mangled from the sword continuously stopping my fall,

Only a few bricks are left crumbling on my impenetrable wall.

They say victim mentality, "look at me, I've had it so hard,"

On the contrary, I am a warrior called upon to aid similar scarred.

Brave and courageous, smiling, I would stand alone,

Locked and loaded, defenses ready for when each cover is blown.

A time and a place, the truth will set you free,

An enigma, a falsehood - things are better off unsaid, is the plea.

Navigating puzzles and riddles to my open book,

Thwarting collateral damage ensures no innocence took.