If I had Aaron’s wit
to say what’s on my mind,
I’d tell you all within my soul,
things only God will find.

I’d say the things I dare not say,
And probably never will:
My greatest fears,
regrets,
or dreams
forever unfulfilled.

I’ve been burned before, you see,
In fact, multiple times.
A fitting punishment for being socially inept,
If it is a crime . . .

It’s true I’ve lived a sheltered life,
though I’ve known some cruelty – only some.
When I was young,
words were lighted matches,
which burned till I was struck dumb.

My eyes would fill up, overflow with tears,
My cheeks would burn bright red.
I’d smother years and years’ worth
of smouldering anger in my head.

I wasn’t very different then – I understand that now.
Little about me has changed.
I like to think myself stronger, braver,
But really,
I’m just the same.

I still stutter and hesitate,
Blurt out, or exaggerate
whatever pops into my head.
My eyes still flood with endless tears,
My cheeks still burn bright red.

It never took much to hurt me;
it still doesn’t nowadays.
I’m a bit too sensitive for most people;
I bring a lot of it on myself anyway.

Perhaps my understanding of my mistakes,
has become a bit more refined.
I still make them,
but perhaps not as recklessly,
or as thoughtlessly,

or at least,
not all the time.