Ann.Young

Let’s Get It Over
by Annie Young

If you really want to kill yourself, then go ahead and do it.
But, please, let’s get it over if you’re gonna put me through it.

I hoped and prayed you’d learn to cope; you’d get your shit together.
But months and years keep dragging on, it doesn’t matter whether

I’m supportive or I’m bitchy. You don’t seem to understand
That your scheming just enhances my devotion to that man.

I fear the end that I suspect you’ve chosen for yourself:
The slowest form of suicide, the ruin of your health.

It really doesn’t matter, in the end, which way you choose:
The shotgun or the chocolate cake, the cocaine or the booze.

When you’re nestled in your shiny box and I wear my black dress,
No matter what the method, I’ll be cleaning up your mess.

***********************

Personal Storm
by Annie Young

Blackened sky beyond the hill
Rapturous sunshine spreading fingers toward the south
Woods gleaming emerald green;
Late summer.

Air as still as death
Shimmering with latent life
The breath of Nature pauses;
Expectant.

Will rain caress my cheeks?
Will lightning sear my soul?
I turn my face towards it;
The unknown.

Calm before the storm
Possibilities stir the leaves
Dogs shiver at my feet.
I wait.

***********************

Tattered Angel
by Annie Young

Tiny bare feet dirty with neglect,
Running toward unexpected safety.

Bruised body, cold and hungry,
Robust with willful spirit.

Chubby hands shaking with fear,
Reaching for my calming touch.

Smooth cheeks streaked with tears,
Dimpled with sudden hope.

Auburn curls filmed with dust,
Springing with unquenchable vitality.

Blue eyes huge with longing,
Alight with the will to live.

What will become of you?

I will stroke your furrowed brow,
And brush away the strands of pain.

I will warm you by the fire of my love,
And hold you in my most protective embrace.

I will feed you from my strength,
And nourish your battered soul.

I will strip away the rags of abuse,
And bathe you at the wellspring of my heart.

I will clothe you in patient arms,
And rock you to peaceful slumber.