So Says a Solitary Voice

Hold it, boy.

Hold till it hurts.

Then hold some more.

Don’t matter if you die.

Just keep quiet.

Don’t risk those waters.

Don’t push too far

(Even a little may be too far.)

or you’ll get pulled into that rip

like those kids off Orchard Beach

who drowned within sight of land.

So swallow yourself.

Give way.

Keep yourself

your secret self

your desires and dreams

and strong beliefs and stubbornness

to yourself.

Take no chances.

Be smooth and flawless

so what comes

beads and runs off

like water on a well-oiled wall.

Be untouched.

Better withheld than held

in open arms hiding chaos.

The world can turn without warning

and sweep you into that empty ocean

where unseen beasts brush your legs

and land is a distant memory.

Better to make a home in yourself.

Better half-whole than lost beyond loss.

It’s the only sane way to stay sane.