...the 'Gift' That Keeps On Giving

 

Guilt is such a curious thing

we learn it when we’re young...

the first time punished

for breaking a toy,

for dirtying our clothes,

for getting a poor grade.

In high school the stakes are higher—

grounded for staying out too late

for keeping secrets from our parents

for curiosity, temptation—

oh, so careful to walk the line,

lest we soil our reputation.

Guilt targets us like a nagging itch,

questioning our choices:

Are they right? Are they wrong?

A random thought, a turn of phrase ­– 

we're victims of our own behavior;

it haunts our thoughts, honing in

  till we are that child, again.

© Ginny Brannan 2021