Soulshine

Will I recognize you
On the other side 
Where only our soulshine
Can enter? 

Will I know you
Without mommy 
And daddy's paint
Defining you?

Will I know you
Without society
Shaping you
With its shoulds?

Or without
Your religious/cultural
Beliefs and rituals
Disguising you?

Will I know you
Without your labels
Your name, your gender
Your claim to fame?

Will I know you
Without your false face
The one you seem 
To never remove?

Life is just too short
Too juicy
To be lived
Wrapped in layers

Of fear and insecurities
Of regrets and anger
Oh, I see you in there
Glimpses of pure spirit dancing

Wrapped in a victim's cloak
Held together
By history and stories
And the need for retribution 

We are all wounded
Shout it, purge it
Then heal it
But don't wallow

Of all the roles to play
Victim is the laziest
The least life affirming
Vengeance in disguise

I am too worn and wise
To stay and listen while you 
Blow smoke up my ass
I want you naked

Will I recognize you
On the other side?
Not if you don't let
Your soul shine now.

(c)bjbeyers 2022