self-portrait, with untruth
       

playing the liar I am always

caught pointing out obvious failure.

they turn up the gas lamps & here I am

lashed to spit & turning until wrung

of my own meat. the lie depends on me.

anyone can deny a child. as far

as eyes can see, field untilled.

nothing planted so nothing stolen.

the lie depends on perspective.

seasons previous, blood in the furrows

& the crop failed & the topsoil can't imagine

the difference a few months fallow makes.

people mistake stillness for safety. they don't

believe me when I correct the weakness.

Tweet
Copyright © 2016 Emily O'Neill All rights reserved
from Salt Hill
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission