1) Long Long Time Ago

deep within the blood
rage burned ran
across the generations,
throbbed to the surface
when the pain became
too much to handle

tears flowed
in savage rivers
as the hands trembled
clenched in fists of rage

a carnival mirror
of faces taunted him
caught in the throes
of their own anxiety
and boredom

breath raked harsh,
sweat pulsed deep,
the lump that he carried
in his throat
sang the chorus
of isolation

so he ran from life
to a quiet place
where he could be alone
and make the world disappear
behind a wall of imagination

where he could smile
and sing and laugh
and dance for the moment
tucked away hidden
in the pleasure of his dreams
until the faces returned
and he rediscovered his rage

it was a badge he wore proudly

there was little else
he could call his own