Doubt and Antidote

Symphony in White No.1, The White Girl
James Abbot McNeil Whistler, 1861-62
https://gardenofpraise.com/art58.htm

perhaps you like me
but you don’t like
the idea of liking me
for it collides with the way
you have come to live your life

why complicate a well-established pattern
structured, simple and serene

perhaps our encounter has opened a wound
that you thought had long gone away
a love that lingers in your heart
that recalls moments dear
well past but no less alive for that

perhaps you just don’t like me all that much after all

even if deep down you do

perhaps there is a soul in your closet
dormant but still there
overseeing your every move
assessing your every whim
looking over your shoulder constantly

perhaps my imagination is working overtime
a jealousy targeted aimlessly

perhaps our encounter has revived
a memory long forgotten
of a gently approaching footstep
an expectant greeting at an opening door
an embrace that made you melt

perhaps this is more about my ghosts than yours
more about my injuries than your pain

whatever, do not be afraid
I will protect you from the past
I will try to catch you if you fall
I will help pick up the pieces if I miss
I will rock you to sleep

but you must want me to

and be ready to ask as much

2016