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I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired
Having to cry in the dark,
Unable to express the emotions I truly feel in my heart,
Because it wasn’t scripted in my part,
But I’m human, dammit, not an actor.
Did you think to factor into the equation
That maybe I was just good at the art of persuasion?
I spent years living behind my disguise.
Infecting my mind and body with lies,
So I could be a part of lives I knew nothing about.
I brainwashed myself into doubt
And now it’s a heavyweight bout.
I’m blocking out all the screams and shouts,
I’m focused for the title fight of my life,
It’s the 3rd round and victory is nowhere in sight.
Self-destruction keeps hitting me with rights
It’s taking all my might just to stay in the fight.
10th round and I’m still on my feet.
My adversary is underestimating me.
Doesn't know I'm playing for keeps,
And when the final bell rings
I’ll be the true champion of my life.
Copyright © 2006 by Herman Baron III
Herman Baron III is the author of a collection of poems entitled Conversations with My Soul, from which this poem is taken. He is at work on a new collection called A Voice in the Dark.
Herman’s poetry affirms his decision to be more than he has known himself to be, and to become all that we have believed him to be. I believe that the reader…will be positively affirmed and energized.