The Cage

This rusted iron cage

the only home I have known

no comfort

only cold disregard

of my lying ways.

Logic has no need here

only emotions

hold control and even though

those voices whisper contempt

I ignore it all.

Edges softened to crimson

shadows bleed through

and the horror of my truth

burns brightly in this darkness.

I spin around

copper strands wrapping

and I reach above

stretching thin

until I reach the edge

and pull myself forward.

I slip between the bars

and take a step back

suddenly it is at my feet

a small rusted cage

no bigger than my heart.

Jay-lyn Doerksen

December 30/17