Hidden In The Shadows

Spotlight centered on the stage,

The only area allowed to be engaged.

The lights so bright; so strange,

Darkness outside the light; a cage.

My act is performed in perfect perfection,

Complete composure; never an imperfection.

Shown to the crowd that watches with no connection,

Because who is perfect; hidden in the dark theatre’s sections.

At the planned out plays conclusion,

The crowd applauds with no emotion.

For unattainable perfection fuels rejection,

When our basis needs are not protected.

One need being to connect with another human,

But how do we connect when masks worn are like superman.

Those we spotlight and place on stools,

Have some of the darkest secrets hidden in the room.

Hidden in the shadows away from the light,

Secrets would rate day under night.

For light would bring to light,

All the darkness and pain we hide with our might.

Secrets are evil; they tear us apart,

Block our emotions; put walls around our hearts.

Always in a state of paralyzing numb,

Like a zombie we slowly become.

Perhaps if we took back control,

Took our flashlight to the shadows.

Illuminated secrets one by one,

Bringing them out into the forefront.

Breaking free and healing from their shame,

Shame is the name of the greatest player in the game.

Self-blame, disgust, embarrassed, too,

Made it easy to brush these feelings into corners too.

When others in the group can see our flaws,

It has an effect; can make people pause.

Pause and reflect on their own high walls,

Knowing that we all belong.

Belong to the same family called humans,

Knowing we all at one point have dealt with ruin.

When we are raw, open, honest, and real,

Secrets are spilled; no longer concealed.

Out in the open; shouldered with another,

No more allowed to smother.

Smolder and lurk in the shadows,

No more carried alone.