Scars keep stalking me,
No matter how hard I run.
I hide behind doors
That become obstacles.
Blanketed in the darkness,
Having cold sweats,
But these are old regrets.
Blood, sweat and tears drip.
Shhh! You hear that?
I know my ego tripping.
Pride keeps screaming,
Fear won’t stop manipulating
The things I hear.
Shackles cling and clang,
Crutches, slowing me down,
Controlling how you think,
Caring more about the wrong,
Missed the right in front of me.
Why do I care what anybody thinks!
Another door slams,
A bottle of pain,
Fading in and out of confusion.
The horror reminds me to look back!
There’s another way,
A life yet to explore!
A happiness yet to discover!
A love to be seen
True as Corinthians Chapter 13!
Am I dying?
Been so far lost
Chasing excuses to avoid a chance.
Who will look me in my eyes
Before our time runs out?
BEFORE MY TIME RUNS OUT?
Can you understand how to navigate past the blackness?
Can you see the person in the mirror?
Past that mask they gave me,
The mask that hides me?
ABOUT THE WRITER. Although Robert is new to writing for WITS, he had an interest in writing since early childhood. In middle-school, he challenged himself, submitting an essay for a writing contest about courage and what it means to you. He entered anonymously. I’m glad he has continued to write, and today, when he is inspired to write, he likes free-style poetry and personal essays.
Robert is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Psychology and has also recently earned certificates in Behavior Science, Human Resources Development and Digital Design. He was also a co-author of Beneath Our Numbers, A Collaborative Memoir From Inside Mass Incarceration, and all of his WITS writing can be found here. Robert can be contacted at:
Robert M. Linton #0880370
Eastern CI
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
