Hold It In

This emptiness I feel threatens to engulf me. In the loneliest of nights it takes hold of me and I cannot let it go. I know I should. I know I would, if only I could. For this emptiness could leave me stranded in a place so alone that I could not bear it. But it remains. And it tempers me into something new. But I must contain it, lest it change me beyond my control, and shape me into something I fear or detest. It is powerful, but I resolve to be stronger still. I will hold it in.

This rage I feel threatens to consume me. In the hardest of trials it takes hold of me and I cannot let it go. I know I should. I know I would, if only I could. For this rage could leave me stranded with a soul so bitter that I could not bear it. But it remains. And it tempers me into something new. But I must contain it, lest it change me beyond my control, and shape me into something I hate or despise. It is powerful, but I resolve to be stronger still. I will hold it in.

This pain I feel threatens to destroy me. In the cruelest of agonies it takes hold of me and I cannot let it go. I know I should. I know I would, if only I could. For this pain could leave me stranded with a heart so scarred that I could not bear it. But it remains. And it tempers me into something new. But I must contain it, lest it change me beyond my control, and shape me into something I pity or loathe. It is powerful, but I resolve to be stronger still. I will hold it in.

This love I feel threatens to overwhelm me. In the purest of moments it takes hold of me and I cannot let it go. I know I should. I know I would, if only I could. For this love could leave me stranded in a place so heartbroken that I could not bear it. But it remains. And it tempers me into something new. But I must contain it, lest it change me beyond my control, and shape me into something I deny or regret. It is powerful, and, of all these inner forces, I am not sure if I can be stronger still. But I will try. I will hold it in. For now.

©2003, David Paul Guzmán. This work may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the author.