a string of coloured lights sparkle
on the grand old christmas tree
blinking in cycles and rhythms
they’re a beautiful sight to see
they twinkle steadily through sorrow
and they glitter through despair
regardless of what they witness
the lights shine constantly there
they light the way as a reminder
of this season of hope and cheer
it’s time to close another chapter
and embrace the promise of a new year
mirror, mirror, on the wall
would you catch me if i fall
take me to a world anew
if i could find the courage to step through
there’s no life for me left here
my heart’s a hackneyed, hollow sphere
i need somewhere that’s far away
away from the dirges of the day
–
mirror, mirror, gleaming bright,
do you only reflect the light
that shines around you, or are you a flame
that could dream me up another name
change my hair and change my face
transport me to some other place
and give me a new identity
distinguish who i was from who i’ll be
maybe then i’ll find my peace
when my old life grants me sweet release
i will remember that i owe it all
to that mirror, mirror, on the wall
you’re a monster —
but you hide your lies
behind white-teethed smiles
and pretty lines
your words dipped in red,
they drip out of your mouth
like blood
why is it only i can see
the monster you are?
two-faced, truth-hidden,
with a necrotic, pus-filled heart
you hide, honey-coated,
inside a child’s nightmare
but i’ll always see you
for the monster you are
It was Christmas Eve
In a time long ago
The fires had burnt out
Their coals barely aglow
In the dim light remaining
One could barely see
The Angel who rested
On the grand Christmas Tree
She was an old one, this Angel
A relic long aged
Holding court every year
While the Christmas rush raged
Her name was Rosetta
She wore a dress of green tulle
And on the centre of her tiara
Rested a ruby-red jewel
It shone like the embers
In the spent fireplace
And lit up even more
When St Nick entered the space
He sipped on the milk
As Rosetta he greeted
“It’s been a long time, old friend,
Another year we’ve completed.”
He nibbled on cookies
As he told of his tales
With far-off lands and wonders
The silent Angel he regaled
Then he arranged all his presents
And returned to his sleigh
Leaving Rosetta to keep watch
On a brand-new Christmas Day
do you feel brave
when you push me down
knowing i can’t fight back?
–
you stand on a pedestal
adored, admired
you have everything others want
you don’t have to walk over me
to get it
–
do you feel empowered
when your words cut me down?
when tears bleed from my eyes?
when i’m too exhausted to answer back?
–
i thought only cowards
kicked the fallen
yet you’re crowned a hero
(by those who don’t know you)
they don’t feel the bruises
you leave in your wake
be grateful, they say
if you can’t be happy
then be happy for me
those fair-weather friends fall short
again
as my enemies echo words i don’t want to hear:
play your part
shut your mouth
be a good girl
but they’ve forgotten
there’s a human under here, too
with the heart of a lioness
i roar
but no one listens
no one understands
the time it takes
the downs > ups
the grief you spend
agonising on things that never were
and never will be
the only thing they know is to say:
be a good girl
play your part
don’t think
don’t feel
be grateful, be happy
and for the love of god
keep your damn mouth shut
it was a crisp winter morning
when i heard the bells chime
echoing my heartbeat
it was here, this joyous time
–
i was dressed in all white
prepared to face that day
that promised so much happiness
before it was stolen away
–
i walked bravely down the aisle
though all the pews were bare
it mattered not to me that
there were no guests anywhere
–
i faced the future proudly
with all my poise and grace
but the groom who stood there waiting
did not bear your face
–
i was met with another
who seemed as surprised as I
but where were you, my love?
you left me, true, but why?
–
this stranger was a kind sir, though,
i knew this when he took my hand
and led me down a different path
than the one that we had planned
–
he helped me find a happiness
i’d never know with you
just like you never needed me
i’m better off without you, too
Rose of Prose 