Ribbons of Shame

Flash flood reflections

slit and rent my life sparks.

My conscience is rinsed

by wails of guilt.

I lie face down

on ribbons of shame.

My soul sneaks down back street

trashed with contrition.

Limbs flail in frenzied motion,

trying to outrun dishonor.

I yell, “Wait for me,

don’t run so fast!”

In the cold, driving rain

I wrap my sin

like a shawl

around shaking shoulders

selling out my words

to the wind.

My face is framed

by white lamb innocence

but is black sheep sordid inside.

Remove the veneer

of my disguise

and you’ll see

my disgrace -

unfolding mystery

dying at daybreak

resounding

with twisted pain

of my guilty secret

as evil is harbored

within hollow heart

and my last goodbye.