you always come back

even when you feel
overexposed
held to the light so long
that you are
unrecognizable

you return to the
blankness

thinking another try
might readjust
your vision

allow you to see clearly

you come back to
the place where
you are exposed

thinking you’ll
discover something
in front of an audience
that you couldn’t find
on your own

but the people
will look no harder
than you do

and so these words
beaten out
in a hurry

remember
they are beginnings
and this place
is here
for the starting

the finish
is up to you
and you alone.

so come back here
spill things
haphazardly
fearfully

spill things
with cowardice
and caution

spill things
with abandon
and recklessness

do what you must here

don’t forget
to do it
where the only
expectant set of eyes
is your own.