Facade

They say I’m rich.
My head held high and swinging hips
belie despair
nose in the air 
denying thoughts of childhood demons
that lurk deep within the creases
of my conscience.

I turn outward for
accolades and tainted praise
to validate my living,
but harsh words like stones 
bruise my dark skin. 
Yet still I limp along, this solo jaunt, 
Forlorn.

Moments of reflection
turn to trepidation,
that’s when it comes. 
Shhh… knowing hands 
secretly tug at the hems
of my innocence,
gone.

You say my shame defines me.
Wasted years of wonder
and senseless blunders 
fuel my cry.
I fear when knowledge finally comes, 
my light is gone.
They say I’m rich?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Amadore Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Congratulations...good work.
Brown Avatar
January 3, 2012 at 10:46 AM
Congrats on making it through the 1st round of PoetrySoup International Contest. Wishing you the best Clevia. Love, Carol
 Avatar
December 29, 2011 at 6:12 PM
This is powerful and clever. Keep up the beautiful work, my friend.
Austin Avatar
December 29, 2011 at 10:18 AM
So? Do you have lots of money? Money sure as hell keeps the body warm, but you have the worst sort of problems, evidently - identity. I read this one several times, and I sympathize. Congrats on the selection. daver
Brown Avatar
December 27, 2011 at 7:10 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved featured poem this week Clevia. I wish you the best on your writing endeavors in the new year. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
April 29, 2011 at 11:06 AM
A warm welcome to PoetrySoup I offer to you Clevia. I wish for you the best in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. May you find inspiration by reading some of the poetry written here by other poets. Read and comment on their's and they will return in kind. May the sun shine on you that you might find great joy in your life. Love and blessing always, Carol
M Avatar
April 28, 2011 at 8:17 PM
Welcome ! You are really rich as you express yourself deeply. Great write
Bedeau Avatar
April 28, 2011 at 8:09 PM
Thank you for the motivational support.
Sweetheart Avatar
April 28, 2011 at 7:46 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup.. enjoyed reading your creative write tonight.. hope u have fun and share with others your many delights..luv..
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