Don’t tell -

Don’t delve
into the depths
of unimaginable dangers.
This dark secret as impenetrable
as the deepest mine.

don’t tell -

No one will go there.
Curiosity glossed over,
by trite chit chat,
inconsequential giggle conceals -
flash warning!
quick change of subject -
deft diversions.

Smoke screening a fortress,
defending the darkest secret.
Fight, destroying relationships,
deceit upon deceit,
Like gouache over canvas
and lie, lie, lie.

The darkest secret mushrooms,
elusive as nightmares -
repressed
with a veiled vodka here,
assuaged
with a bitter cut there.
Threatening to burst;
obliterating your entire world.

Kathryn Ford