Struggle XIX (My Writing Is…)

By Andrew R. Duckworth

My writing is an escape
From the world’s weight,
Just laying it all down
To shed burden.

     My writing is my mind
     Unleashed, breaking down
     Limits and expanding
     My voice.

My writing is my confessional
So you’ll know that I am
Among the most flawed,
In much need of grace.

     My writing is my history,
     My family’s history,
     My memory, That it won’t
     Be forgotten.

My writing is my scarred soul
Poured out through words,
Filtered through reflection
And thought.

     My writing is my struggle
     Manifest through thumb prints
     And graphite on paper,
     Along with tears.

My writing is communion,
That I might share
And be understood
When my voice is not enough.

     My writing is love.
     My writing is hate.
     My writing is time
     To contemplate.
     And I lay it out
     On this white table cloth
     For you, for me,
     On this side of eternity.