Inner Strength

No one ever saw the tears that fell

no one ever saw her sorrow

no one knew the pain inside

for she would never acknowledge.

She was strong for herself

she steeled her heart

she stood tall

she braved the wicked waves

with a glint in her eye.

When the bedroom door closed

and all are asleep

she curled within

letting the pain seep.

She had to be strong for herself

no one else would be

she had to stand tall

show the world she would not cry.

Behind doors fastened shut

emotions contained were let loose

and she felt……

the pain

the fear

the anguish

the anger

the hate.

Screams that were stifled

by day

were released at night.

She felt.

She felt it all.

She fell to her knees

for strength only goes so far

until it becomes too much

and strength is not enough any more.

©Jay-lyn Doerksen

May 26/18

Photo by MMPR on Unsplash

Twisted Twins

The first time I saw her

she hung overhead

an apparition in a dream

that I woke from

in a cold sweat.

The second time I saw her

was from the corner of my eye

a movement in the window pane

as light bled from the sky.

The third time I saw her

was from the mirror on the wall

a visage just like my own

only colder

crueler

and with less joy.

The last time I saw her

I was pressed beneath the ground

mouth open in silent screams

as the doppelganger took over my life.

 

Jay-lyn Doerksen

May 26/17