Harlequin’s Mask

Can you see me?

The real me?

The one who stands behind the woman I show?

With harlequin mask

gilded tears in the corners

a reality

a truth

I cannot bury.

I mouth the words you need to hear

the platitudes

the I am okay’s

so you can have respite.

Respite from my pain

respite from my need

respite from my everything.

I am sorry to bother

allow me to retreat

and the facade shall return.

Ignore the silver tears that are real

escaping from beneath

the harlequin’s mask.

©Jay-lyn Doerksen

December 4/17

Queen of Deflection

Hello how are you?

Terrific and you?

Your mom and dad?

How about that sister of yours?

By the time you walk away

having regaled me with tales

of normality and bliss,

you will have forgotten the pain

reflected on my face.

I am the Queen of deflection.

 I cannot allow you too deep

for within the shadows my beasts strain

wanting to partake.

Though leashed and muzzled

still they try,

wanting to break free and control

the singular puppet I am,

for their macabre tastes.

I weep and I cry

but there is no escape

for I am entrapped within a cell

of my own making.

©Jay-lyn Doerksen

Dec. 3/17