Facades Withering All the While

Paul S Markle
Aug 28, 2017 · 1 min read
pixabay.com

Implosions of emotion
ricochet in this vessel.
Pain, the cargo stowed below.

Landmines left behind
float among scarred self-regard.
A native on the high seas
in search of vivid jeopardy.

Now steering close to shore.
Seeking beacons of wisdom
behind facades of faith,
no captain at the helm.
No choice but to drop anchor.
At the instance
of a single struck nerve.

It’s second nature to craft
a mood to shape the mask.
Soon I discover the fact
they’re all that’s left of me.

Sarcasm mans the wheel
while skeletons from my closet
serve as the crew.
No patterns prove
to match the wit
of the wind filling my sails.
they run taut and smooth.

Up in the crows nest
another joust won
against mock authenticity

I break a rapturous smile,
this hardy vessel and my crew.
One thing never goes out of style
Hauling baggage rarely claimed
and facades withering all the while.

Poets Unlimited

Six Years of poetry-only publishing, PoetsUnlimited was a diverse, engaging and authentic poetry magazine. For most of that time a daily publication, it was always diverse and original, and free-to-read by all.

)

Paul S Markle

Written by

Wordsmith Apprentice… studying under this collective community genius. Profiler in another life & cigar addict... Experential Therapist & Equine Assisted Coach…

Poets Unlimited

Six Years of poetry-only publishing, PoetsUnlimited was a diverse, engaging and authentic poetry magazine. For most of that time a daily publication, it was always diverse and original, and free-to-read by all.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade