the words of old

the words of old

whisper in my ears

they tell me their stories, their secrets

they tell me their fears

their tongues slit like snakes

stroke my eager ears

they know what I want, what I need

they know who I keep near

I feel bare in front of them

they search me with their eyes

I can’t keep any secrets

I can’t tell any lies

I know them and they know me

and with each other

we might never be free

I’m stuck in the past

they’re stuck in the now

and I want to but can’t

I don’t know how

to break the shackles

they’ve tied me with

so I’ll keep hearing their cackles

as they bask in their mirth

I don’t want the words of old

to speak to me

I’ve told them and told

them to let me be