exposure

I've worn this bandage

for so long.

It seems I forget

it's there sometimes

until I am bumped

and I bleed.

You tore it off

too quickly

revealing wounds

you couldn't see.

Exposed to air

they're tender and sore.

I'm afraid

to let them breathe.

Cover them

back up quickly.

This is something

that I need.

I can't let

you see

that ugly pain

that lives

inside of me.

Comments: 18

Walter, The Patron Saint of Gather Mar 1, 2007, 10:22pm EST

Sad, but real. I've been known to foster a wound too long myself.

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Charles D. Mar 1, 2007, 11:00pm EST

Yes sad. I hope you are happy though.

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Sue D. Mar 1, 2007, 11:08pm EST

Thank you James and Scot. Yes, Charles, I am happy. I know it is sad, but life is sad sometimes. Without suffering, there is no compassion.

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Howard b. Mar 1, 2007, 11:15pm EST

Sue

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jadan x. Mar 1, 2007, 11:34pm EST

I have felt exactly this way. Thanks for expressing it so well.

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Adele G. Mar 1, 2007, 11:41pm EST

I think we've all felt that way at some point in life. I liked your poem.

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Visionaerie B. Mar 1, 2007, 11:52pm EST

Great poem -- a lesson we often need to keep re-learning! It's so tempting to rue about past regrets, but refreshing to realize that the past is just prologue. The future is a brand new world! Thanks for posting this wisdom.

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Sue D. Mar 2, 2007, 12:23am EST

Howard?

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Cinnamon and everything not so nice *. Mar 2, 2007, 1:59am EST

very expressive poem...and true

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Pamela A. Mar 2, 2007, 2:36am EST

The very first line drew me in, and we've all used our bandages as cover ups. You expressed this well. And I also like your philosophy of no suffering - no compassion. We can all relate.

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Marilyn is looking for whatever there is. N. Mar 2, 2007, 4:56am EST

Sue,
This is sad, and wonderful at the same time. I like your writing a lot and am featuring this in First Time Writers,
or
www.firsttimewriters.gather.com

Thanks for the emotions and great writing!

Marilyn -- rated 10

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Vinay Benjamin Mar 2, 2007, 6:18am EST

Sue - striking! These lines plumbed my depths - but, I let go by conscious effort and since then the pain has diminished. You seem to share a pen with me!!

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Jeanne Nelson Mar 2, 2007, 11:35am EST

Very moving to me as well, excellent!

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Audrey F. Mar 2, 2007, 4:54pm EST

I agree, a very moving and well-written poem.
Sue, your pain is not ugly. It just is and it hurts. You just need to find the right people to share it with. People who are compassionate and kind. You have a whole comment threadful of them.

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