…I can be who ever I choose
I look at myself in the mirror
me and my beautiful mess
tousled hair
and ink-stained hands
total indifference
to vanity’s demands
I am always
just one step away
from falling apart
chaotic thoughts
the kind of disarray
that I would never wish away
the opposite of perfection
my pen is my salvation
and my words are my weapons
a shield against reality
a doorway to infinity
in the realm of paper and ink
I can be whoever I choose
I can be a goddess
a creator of worlds
a destroyer of hearts
I can be broken and bleeding
or write myself out of the dark
I see flowers now petals
slowly falling into the dirt
just waiting for the winds
to rescue them
confetti moments
trying to capture them all
caressing each one
with gentle hands
as I break their fall
searching my soul
for the words
for the feelings
that make up the whole
poetry born
from the unconquered depths
of my imagination
each with its own voice
unique and precious
poetry is a language
that only the brave can speak
for it takes courage
to open your heart
to lay yourself bare
for all to see and judge
a poet must be fearless
confident in their words
unafraid to share their truth
for poetry is not perfection
it is honesty and vulnerability
it is in and of itself
both power and beauty
inspiring understanding
and connections
that may never
be fully understood
except in the poet’s heart
and this is our art
© Ann Bagnall
