Tale of a Former Black Sheep

Rob Tol

For years I wore

your shame as my own

and lived unknown

in terror of being seen

like a leper

self-quarantined

intrinsically unclean

Your neglect

became to me

my insignificance

undeserving of your glance

Your abuse

became to me

my fault and utter blame

my soiled but rightful name 

Your abandonment

to me

was my unworthiness

unfit and valueless

'Til this layered shame became

a camouflaging cloak

wrapped about with care

disguising me as if

I wasn't even there

How I avoided them

my friends so true

for they could plainly see

the agony in me

and I couldn't control

it radiating through

Yet butterflies won't stay bound

in crippling cocoons

integrity impugned

by wings that cannot fly-

and I at last have found

the answer to my wounds

in exposing you

and all your lies

You were cruel-

I do matter

You were guilty-

I am not to blame

You were unfit-

I am worthy

You nearly destroyed me-

But I overcame

Now my only dread is

of leaving this world

as un-notably as I came

as invisibly as I lived

to be known only 

by others

as unredeemed as

you thought me to be-

No! the truth

will set me free...

I humbly give

this cloak to you

it was yours to wear

not mine to share

I'm through

I'm through

I'm through.

Rhona McFerran