At fifteen years, I replaced the bulb.
When the building was new, the first bulb lasted six years.
After that, someone broke in and the light bulb shattered.
It would be dark for nine years.
The new bulb is not as bright as the first.
It is rather dim, and the building is in a hazy cover.
It resembles a maze now, or a haunted house,
With twists and turns that can no longer be foreseen.
The person who broke the original bulb was tall and dark.
He helped the building to run smoothly at first.
The people who made the building adored him.
His facial hair and friendly smile exuded professionalism.
But one day, a snake slipped out of his pocket.
It slid slowly down his leg and whispered to the walls, “I have a secret.”
It started tapping relentlessly against the glass bulb,
And it flickered before blinking out of existence.
Nine years, the building was consumed by darkness.
An endless tangle of lies, secrets, and invisible walls.
Broken glass scattered everywhere by that phrase, “I have a secret.”
And then, one day, I found my way back inside.
And the world was visible again.
Certainly not perfect, nor bright.
But visible.
Author notes
This is another poem about my experience. I was sexually molested by a family friend at the age of six. The building is supposed to represent my mind, the light bulb my ability to let people in, and the snake... that's kind of obvious. My first poem about it sucks because I couldn't find any words to convey it, but I like this one. I'm slowly gaining the confidence to talk about it.
A contest entry
- Dark writes contest!!!! Check it out by Englandgirl2008.
450 points, ended May 17, 71 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Picking Up the Pieces by LovelyLauren.
2250 points, ended June 22, 28 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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I am so glad you found light again. Being stuck in the darkness of a secret's shadow is not pleasant to say the very least, and especially not with a secret such as this.
You write beautifully, and the more you write the better you will feel.
thanks for entering.
Lauren
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very profound, it's steeped in metaphor, a very awesome right
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I will not critique you on this love, cause I am just so happy that you continue to work through it. It is a long time coming and your silence is surely the building you speak of. You are an amazing young lady with the wisdom of an old soul and the smarts to rule the world. I am so proud to have such an awesome niece! Kudos on an insightful write. Much love
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