Go Away

Curled up in a ball, hugging his knees head down

Sitting there not knowing how to express his pain.

All alone in the world inside his head

Which itself is oddly shaped and once hemorrhaged.

Not wanting to go anywhere or do anything

Sulking in the corner, not allowing me to help.

He suddenly changed from his jovial way.

Not sure what changed from yesterday

He just sits there screaming, I hate myself – go away.

With one wet lick across his face,

All of a sudden he begins to smile. 

His dog succeeded where my attempts fell short

I think he feels all alone against a mighty fort.

I try to get him to come back in the house

As the dog runs off, he is again in a huff.

Secluded in his bubble completely shut down

He thinks we look at him as if he is a clown.

Now he is sobbing, I am not going anywhere today – go away.

Jarone Ashkenazi

Guarded

There is a side of me that I rarely show,

Locked deep inside letting no one know.

When I walk around I put on a facade,

Otherwise everyone might perceive me as odd.

I walk around wondering if anyone will find out

And wonder how I can let go and find a new route.

I have grown accustomed to being on my own

Being alone is my comfort zone.

They see me as the warm, helpful guy;

There is much more to me than what meets the eye.

A helpful brother is what most see,

But there is much more that defines me.

I watch and protect what is so close

Sometimes I need help, no one knows.

How do I let out what is trapped so deep inside

After so long all I have known is to hide.

What lies beneath is guarded by lock and key,

Hidden down deep for no one to see.

Who holds the key that will set me free?

Jarone Ashkenazi