…On Poetry and Fiction
Just “One Word” Away (“Guilt”)
written by: Phyllis P. Colucci
@FictionTarot
One word becomes one idea, becomes one sentence, becomes one poem, becomes one story. It must start from just “one word”. Today my one word is “Guilt”.
GUILT
You will find “Guilt” in your morning coffee. It will be staring up at you with each and every sip. It will glare at you until you look away. It will escort you to wherever you are going each and every day. It will interrupt you at work, ruin your lunch hour and never allow you to have quality time or simple conversations with friends. It will accompany you home in the evenings and sit on your lap while you are trying to have dinner. It will hold you, hostage, as you try to break free in order to enjoy the company of your wonderful family. It will even stop you from appreciating the unconditional love of your loyal pet, who sits at your feet looking confused. You can try ignoring it, slapping it away, cursing at it, screaming at it, but it will remain with you. “Guilt” is relentless. It is strong and it is one big irritating thorn in your side. Just when you think you might have pushed it away for a while, it remains seated right there on the couch with you as you try to watch tv, phone a friend, or take a nap. – And then, it will jump right into bed with you, hogging up the covers and leaving you cold and awake most every night. The only way it will leave you alone, is when your mind and heart both agree that it is time to let it go, while you make amends and right your wrongs.
GUILT
It’s in the morning air we breathe
The first to greet us with open eyes
The breakfast coffee
The eggs and toast
The morning commute
“Guilt” is there to boast
It speaks of sadness
and vicious lies
It holds us hostage
while in disguise
It reminds us of
where we went wrong
Who we hurt
Where we didn’t belong
Why we did and said
those awful things
Such harsh, evil words
Served with all that stings
It tags along throughout the day
There is no peace
as it leads the way
You’re finally home to
your humble place
While “guilt” still wears
its smirking face
It sits at your feet
while you pray it will go
It slips into your bed
It dims your evening glow
It stays for the night
Torments you with your past
It beams in delight
and cuddles you at last
Happy to taunt you
for all you’ve done wrong
“Guilt” is relentless
Your night just grows long
Until suddenly you realize
All can be fine
It is time to make amends
Time to cross that fine line
Change sadness into sweet songs
Tell guilt “be gone”
Let apologies speak
and right all your wrongs
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
“Guilt” remains with us each and every day, until our hearts and minds come together and decide it is time to let it go while we make amends in our lives. It’s as simple as a “choice”.
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