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The Jury Is In

What Is Your Verdict

By Kelli Sheckler-AmsdenPublished 11 months ago 1 min read

When content becomes malignant

And the footing has been lost

Fingerprints are mostly water

Water corrodes and metals rust

There are no damage control strategies

No lasting friendships to be made

Though you offer up apologies

The room still smells of hate

Accused of being faithless

Still agnostic to the facts

We struggle to stay blameless

As truth filters through the cracks

Needing to find some self assurance

With nothing to show for, in the bag

We find our strength in perseverance

To cover up the things we lack

Mistakes come from underestimating

When you’re accustomed to the latter

Can’t prove your story, guesstimating

Missing the next rung up the ladder

So, keep in touch, the deeds not over

Because believe me, it never will

Keep your misdeeds under cover

And your shortcomings to yourself

slam poetryStream of Consciousnesssurreal poetryfact or fiction

About the Creator

Kelli Sheckler-Amsden

Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition

If you like what you read, feel free to leave a tip, I would love some feedback

Find me on twitter @kelli7958958

or facebook

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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Comments (9)

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  • ROCK aka Andrea Polla (Simmons)10 months ago

    Absolutely and ridiculously brilliant: your message is clear and razor sharp.

  • But my shortcomings are far too readily apparent for me to keep them to myself. It's too much work, Kelli. But once again, I love the poem.

  • Calvin London11 months ago

    Nive Kelli, especially: "We struggle to stay blameless As truth filters through the cracks"

  • Jay Kantor11 months ago

    Hi Ki - As a lifetime severe coulrophobic, once past your heading, I just want to say: Being in the hurry-up-and-wait for 'Jury' deliberations profession - I've had a lifetime of 'Schpielkies' (Ants-in-the Pants)...! Friend, J-Bud

  • Wow, that was emotional. And therapeutic too, Kelly.

  • Mother Combs11 months ago

    Heartbreaking circumstances to create such an emotionally charged poem

  • Shirley Belk11 months ago

    words of wisdom

  • Well written, congrats

  • Hi Kelli, your poem evokes a deep sense of loss, self-doubt, and the weight of mistakes. It explores how, in times of struggle, attempts at control and seeking forgiveness often feel futile, as the damage has already been done. The imagery of rust, corrosion, and cracks suggests a disintegration of trust and self-assurance. The perseverance mentioned is a poignant reminder of how we continue to move forward, despite our failures, hiding our vulnerabilities along the way. It resonates with the idea that the battle within ourselves never truly ends. Masterpiece !!!!

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