June poem of the month

This poem is in a different style from my usual nature lyrics and philosophical reflections. This painful poem, and next month's, are dedicated to dear students of mine (and all other teenagers) who are [or have been] enslaved to destructive behaviours. Thankfully, these two particular young people have found deliverance and are making much better choices, as well as finding ways to develop and share their talents.














photo by Darlin'



Honestly
To S. B.

What have you been doing with your eyes?
Have you been washing them with acid rain?
The pain behind your irises implies

That touching needles, telling dirty lies,
And breathing smoke is not a funny game.
What have you been doing with your eyes

Instead of sleeping normally? Surprise:
You’ve drunk yourself to death. When you’re awake,
The pain behind your irises implies

The nightmare doesn’t dissipate with sunrise.
Do you think poison will not strip your veins?
What have you been doing with your eyes

Wide open, pouring sludge in your insides?
Start gazing at your soul, and see the stain
The pain behind your irises implies.

Though you paint happy colors, I surmise
That blue and gray are your internal shades.
The pain behind your irises implies
What you have been doing with your eyes.

—Sørina Higgins




















photo by Darlin'