R-1

our optimism is ripening, and

we make careful plans to inter 

this soulless incarceration,

we were taught not to fear

that which cannot be seen,

to cherish our ghosts

tread bravely in the darkness,

to protect our kin, but

the world having sewn its bad seed

planted a cancer in our confidence

which, like an insidious wraith

embalmed ours hopes,

eventually we’ll cautiously tiptoe 

from this vacuum, and

having shed our threadbare skins

for a wary carapace

will welcome this emotional metamorphosis

that will better shield us.

*

© Graham Sherwood 02/2021