The Self

The universe
Is huge and vast.

The world
Is wide and full.

The continent
Is deep and wild.

I am
Petty and insignificant.

Can't

Can't
I can't
I can't keep
I can't keep being
I can't keep being in
- In this skin -

Deprived of warmth
Concealed in darkness
Distilling self -
Hate

Why can't
I be
- Someone -
Any one
- Else -

Can't be
Can't be me

Paranoia

The eyes –
The gawking, dreadful eyes
Piercing
Insulting
Invasive

No – not welcome
Not welcome over me

These eyes of depravity and sin
Eat away at my flesh
Destroy my spirit
Corrode my soul

Hide –
Hide me!

No place –
No place to hide me.

Nothing to cover the nakedness
Nothing to dress my bare skin

Exposed –
I curse you.