Eggshells

for those who are viewed as less than their accomplishments

a shattered eggshell

because my sanity used to be that fragile

a pane of glass

because my soul used to be that thin

a scrap of paper

because my heart used to tear that easily

but this is past 

i'm better now

not fixed

but better

so why

does everyone still tread so 

carefully? 

why do they watch their 

steps? 

their words? 

are they that sure i'll crumble? 

do they think i'm that fragile?

am i really so weak?

their caution 

makes me unsure of 

myself

and any stability i have in my mind

if that's what they see 

is that what i am? 

a frayed thread

a cracked mirror

a timer

counting down

until my own 

self-destruction? 

when will they see 

instead

my recovery

the person

i've finally started

rebuilding?

how long will my past

my mistakes

my iscars

be all that 

anyone 

sees? 

Reviews

[John Fitzgerald]

This is so personable and lived in. A poetry of searching, to find oneself and be strong in the face of judgement and misunderstanding.Trying to be understood, preferring dignity to compassion. Such strong command of language, with clear metaphor and flow as natural as breathing. Well done!!

[emmajoy]

' .. are they that sure i'll crumble? - do they think i'm that fragile? - am i really so weak? ; NO!


Thiis is such a rambling, raw and wonderful piece of writing, Nicole. Life and everything it contains, people and actions, seem to threaten you whatever, wherever and however. How sad is that. But, I wonder, are the fragile shells etc' sometimes due to our own doubts?

Surely anyone who has the power and confidence to write such an extraordinary poem can and will survive. Perhaps there's a mirror hanging/standing somewhere ready to smile out at you - think there is.