Debby Keeper

HOW MUCH LONGER

Sitting.

Sane on the outside

going bloody crazy

alone in my mind.

The denial, it speaks so softly
gently weaves a comforting lie
whisper, whisper again

keep my child safe in there.

Will it be much longer?

1 don’t feel like going on.
Place your hands on my chest
feel my breastbone.

Imagine the pain;

a knife going in;

the shock of a bullet exploding
through soft flesh and bone.

Is it going to be much longer?

1t’s the pain. I try to stop it

I talk. The men and women

they ask, “Do you always feel like this?;

Is this a normal way for you to feel?”

I feel good, then I feel so tired.

They say, “You have survived, you are strong.”

Will it ever be over?

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