Old Tapes

We are reminded

often

we are fallible

we are told

a frequent reckoning,

by the scant of an eye,

the misread unspoken truth

a quiet mood

all display the heritage

of our new understanding.

Yet that scrutiny

part of our lives,

the moment we become real,

those indecisive perils,

the frightened impulsivity

followed by a calculated

hope, faith, desire

to become whole again,

suggests a need to,

a wish, a desire, a decree

understand me please

rather than make reference

to that other self,

that piece of me, I keep

safely tucked away,

to protect all of you …

me.