Illustration by Jake Winkle

Love’s Unblinding

By Ariel Smith

I don’t often ask for help but
I also never learned how to solve my own Problems. I stick my head in the Sand at the sight of trouble;
Let the rocks and shell fragments Coat my brain so
I don’t have to think.
But you’ve started pulling
My head out, dusting me off.
You make me think.
Ask for help or help yourself,
You say.
Now I’m aware.
I’ve been scared ever since.
There’s nowhere to hide when
You’re being watched.
No playing dumb when
You’re smart.
Nothing’s left to coat my brain with. Nothing’s left to hide behind.
Nothing’s left to be said.
Face your problems, you tell me. You can’t see the face when you’re Covered by the sand, so you
Pull my head out and tell me again Face your problems.

 

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