Downward Spiral

We are all

Silently licking 

Wounds

Waiting

For scar tissue

To protect

Our minds

To forget

Our hearts to

Forgive

I am my worst

Enemy

Conjuring ghosts 

Of my past

That

Thievishly

Haunt my present

Leaving me with

That sinking feeling

That hangs on

Too often 

Too long

Overwhelming 

As life goes on

Around me

Lost and alone

In a room 

Full of friends

My only ally 

Leaving me

Feeling pulled 

By the train whistle

Distracted by the wind

The restlessness always

Percolating in my veins

Like a caged animal
Compulsively looking 

Over my shoulder
Waiting for someone 

To break me free
Not realizing 

I am the only one

With that power.

~Amber C. Smith 2013