bargaining – The Daily Writing of Jackie Wright

The Lines We Cross

Ever since we met, I have been cursing the devil

Because no decent god could have made me this broken.

My ego often consumes me like a ravenous ghoul,

But I shush the vile thoughts and mind the words that are spoken.

The cycle repeats, yet the time spins backwards,

And if I touch that flame now, it will scar my descendants.

If I pull back my hand, if I contain this deep madness,

Can I return to my gods and my fresh independence?

The line I cannot cross has encircled me like a target.

Just one gust of wind, and I will lose all of my grace.

There is a list I keep of people who will not forgive me.

When I look at you, I see each and every face.

-Jackie

There was a chill in the sigh that escaped your lips

Before your words drove blades into my bruised neck.

I thought I knew it all back when we built this ship.

I thought we could find a shore if I stayed on the deck.

My fingers wore your calluses like they were jewels,

The moonlight made my dark worries seem too small.

While I was asleep, you took the profits and tools,

And you hid the last prophets in my bedroom walls.

“A willing participant, a creature well below me.”

Did I will your cruel plans into my tranquil life?

Once they bury me, will they think of me as a trophy?

Will they ever find the chains, the cages, the knife?

-Jackie