Arranging words nto a beat
teasing the literal from the implied
to somehow extract my feelings.
Like the eyes studying a mirror
or the shadows in dark winter
truth is manifested by the reader.
It was taught as a method
tucked away in English class
rhyme, rhythm, and thoughts
counted on fingers
to fit a sonnet or villanelle
as if feelings were science
and language were math.
I arrange the words in my head
a cathartic exercise
to escape or find
whatever waits
in the world behind my eyes.
Charlie Ann Alford 