Susan Tegeler

that truth is mandatory,
that only one's soul may speak,
that one's rational mind talks
only about checkbooks and algorithms,
that one's lips turn to stone
at the slightest wisp of a lie,
that your real agenda is tattooed
on your forehead,
that your heart is worn on
the outside of your breasts,
that if you hate, your knees
automatically buckle,
that if you are jealous,
you turn green:

imposed from the inside out,
by God Himself,
there'd be no more guessing about
who is love

titled

i am the poem
you're trying to
write,
not knowing how words
obliterate sight,
not knowing that the pauses
are where i reside,
not knowing that phrases
are no safe place to hide.

i am the poem
your heart is avoiding,
running away down
some vampired lane,
running away with
your head ‘tween your knees,
running away, such ridiculous game.

i am the poem
you know is about you,
though you try to pretend
it's obtuse and obscure.
i am the poem
who's been waiting a lifetime,
to show you your soul
and what it is for.

Susan welcomes your comments.
Please do write to her, or visit her personal website.