A noose hangs around my neck,

Tightening with every breath.

Thrusting upon me a pain to bear,

Filling me with nothing but despair.

My heart is bursting and there is an aching pain

And I wonder…from this, what will I ever gain?

Standing up there alone, proud and tall

When Id rather in someone’s arms fall.

My hands are searching frantically

I strain to grasp her

She stands stoically, not lifting a finger.

Other’s strain and reach out trying to help me,

Doesn’t she know that she is the closest one who can set me free?

Then someone’s hand I try to clutch,

But then, with a mere whisper of her breath, she breaks the touch.

Im left there hanging on the noose,

Unable to accept help of those who choose,

Those who could help me make it a little loose.

I never wanted all or none,

I was willing to accept whatever little could be done.

Why she thinks I deserve it I will never know

When she only got me into this world to show.

Not liking the results that came,

She put the noose around me and made it my shame.

Now she stands there watching, As time goes by.

As I lose a breath with every sigh.

I cough, I sputter, I try to breathe.

The blissfully I think that the day has come,

When all I will wear around my neck will be a wreath.

-----2002