The Burden of Guilt

I must steady this levee that sustains me;
that separates my rational thoughts from the raging
inner voices of my deep dread.

A lifetime of fear, grown of doubt, seeps through
the confusion in this ever-weakening sanctuary
that plays guard to my conscience.

This heedful restraint surrounds my emotions
and protects my shame, as a mother protects her
young from thoughtless sin.

My secret regrets safely hidden from worldly eyes
for fear of condemnation, rejection,
or weakness in merely existing.

If this burden of regret were to grow too heavy
for my heart, I have but my shelter to
protect me from my own hand.

For if one brick should fall, then I too might
crumble beneath the jagged weight
of this abounding wall.

Without my limitations to defend me,
to caution me,
I would surely falter and give in to the
deafening cries of my conscience and inevitably,
the death of my Self.

Responses

2 comments so far.

1. Artemis Fowl III says:

   i think i know what you are talking about because some of the things ive done in the past thank you for pushing on my hope of redemption with this poem i absolutly love all your works.

2. roxanne lamb says:

   I agree with mike...hits home...