Haunted

Please take this lightly as I have verged on the dramatic. It was inspired and written for the 'haunted' poetry prompt and poetic license employed. It is about anxiety. My head is haunted by a foe Whispering about worries and woe Telling me all my achievements mean nought Finding a negative for each positive thought Telling me I'm different than the norm Insisting that I really need to conform Replaying imagined reels showcasing doubt Where I'm stood on the periphery feeling left out Suggesting that others are questioning me Joined by others who say they're inclined to agree Those ghosts quiet the logic which tries to be heard Dismiss the evidenced success that's occurred What truly haunts and inhabits my head Seems uninclined to go elsewhere instead Perhaps like a vampire, I invited it in Or somewhere there's a voodoo doll and a pin I don't feel it's likely a witch's curse Though if it was, perhaps it could be reversed I'm resolutely sane, painfully so Acutely aware of all that I know I jest there's a ghost occupying my mind It's just to myself I'm incredibly unkind Hyper aware of all information to glean Sensing judgement, seeing through the smoke screen I'm unlearning this habit and accepting the praise Teasing the facts from the too busy haze Plus I'm tired of constantly debating my worth Perhaps I was wrong, and it is actually a curse Writing Challenge - H Words - Poetry Contest 24th February 2023 Sponsored by: Constance La France 2nd place