Dreaming Through Silver Screens – Page 2 – The Daily Writing of Jackie Wright

The Guilty

Their tongues snake around my ankles, hissing angrily.

I near the fire until the sparks illuminate my fragility.

No, they cannot take it, I must keep it in my pockets,

Must re-bury my scorched heart in a box and lock it.

We are all guilty here, but I do not want their venom.

I take their flasks, then spill them all over my denim.

It angers the snake pit, it adds fuel to the flame,

And they push me into the light, into my hidden blame.

I pull back from the warmth and let them bite down,

Their teeth clack on my skin, and it shakes the town.

My knees are glued to the ground as I give up the power,

Waiting for them to finally crush me and then devour.

Instead, I see the guilt evaporate from my bruised skin,

As someone whispers, “We cannot let the guiltless win.”

-JW

You said I was a lone island with a tall lighthouse in the center, overseeing the seven seas.

You said I was a ruthless king, making laws as I was breaking them, never hearing anyone’s pleas.

I aimed for the throat before I met you, I slashed necks without looking in the victim’s eyes,

But you knew I could not point my blade at you, I could not tie you down with a hundred ties.

You told everyone my stories, and the reflection got distorted enough for me to lose myself.

You spun the mirrors until the image swallowed me, it turned me into a figurine on a shelf.

You said I was a frightening sea creature, luring sailors in my nets, cutting open their dreams.

And no matter how loud I said that you were a liar, your voice still drowned out my screams.

-JW