Poetry Friday - A Secret

In her eighth poem of the series, poet Brenda McDonald describes what it's like to carry the burden of a secret. For many one's secret may be their mental illness, their suicidal thoughts, or their struggles with substance abuse and addiction. As Brenda beautifully alludes to, having such a secret can be immensely painful; however, there is light, hope, and relief when one is able to release this darkness by finding someone who they feel safe to share it with. 

---

A SECRET
A secret embedded deep within
Suppressed with heavy cloak of anguish
Starved for attention, ever growing
Perpetuating secrecy is nourishment

A secret embedded deep within
Continually eating up space in heart and mind
Until it implodes into the gut with fists of force
Crying out in painful silence to be heard

A secret embedded deep within
Impacting concentration and sleep
Powerful yet totally under my control
I can choose to let it out slowly
​
A secret embedded deep within
My truth, soul nudging me to release                                                       
What I think, how I behave, who I love
Mask cracking, too much concealed within

A secret embedded deep within
Stigma abounds and judgement strikes
Who will listen to me with open mind
Overwhelmed, shaking, scared am I

A secret embedded deep within
Quality of life demands I share
You care about me… I'm ready now
No longer hidden, it shrinks away