Member-only story
Poem and Author’s Note
Gaslighting: A Lamentation
Distortions, lies, and the ashes left behind
Cruel to the touch, the heart can only take so much,
Promises sweetened with lips that shame,
A kiss of fire, an inundated rush,
Tricking words to twist and blame,
For the power to control and stake your claim.
Cruel to the touch, the heart can only break so much,
Night bleeds into a painted day,
While secrets lie in darkness and hush,
You dance to a slick rhythm at play,
Lines are crossed on crooked paths in disarray.
Cruel to the touch, the heart can only ache so much,
Broken glass reflects, but images skew,
A mirrored past you cannot trust,
’Cause every scene distorts what’s true,
And love’s integrity quickly fades from view.
Cruel to the touch, the heart can only face so much,
But hope that lies fractures the light,
Can also tear down your faith and corrupt,
Leaving you to wonder if what’s left is right,
Until you realize what’s offered isn’t worth the fight.
