A Tiny Angel

There is a tiny angel.
Locked away.
Within a cage of ribs,
Next to my heart.
She whispers to me.
Endlessly.
Sweet endearments.
Promises.
Never to leave my side.
I ignore her.
But, she is not angry at me.

There is a tiny angel.
Locked away.
Within a cage of ribs,
Next to my heart.
She sings to me.
With a voice
Of pure sweetness and light.
I drown her
With rivers of alcohol.
I sting her eyes
With foul tobacco smoke.
I abuse her.
Yet, she continues her song.

There is a tiny angel.
Locked away.
Within a cage of ribs,
Next to my heart.
When the nights are cold.
And dark and lonely.
Sometimes, I let her out.
We look at one another.
We both smile.
But only.
For a little while.
The briefest of time.
Then I lock her away again.
She does not protest.

There is a tiny angel.
Locked away.
Within a cage of ribs,
Next to my heart.
I must keep her hidden.
Never to utter her name.
For such is what life has made me.
My path already tread.
She is my secret.
And, will remain within me.
Till the end.

Inspired by Charles Bukowski