Poem - Exacting Truth

“Exacting Truth” was inspired by a painting created by a friend. It features representations of the same person in light and dark spaces. To me this spoke of the struggles of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and self-harm.


Exacting Truth

Balanced on a razor's edge
between the light and the pit
withing I could move beyond
utility turned against itself
vision cold to probing touch
exacting truth I'll regret

a duplicate was the intent
manifest by craftsman's hand
when silver pressed on the glass
echoes pure in their frame
if only this were the case
instead I see hell’s domain

if I smash the wicked plane
put to dust the foul face
I’ll disappoint at the outcome
exacting truth on mirror's face
duplicates are the result
echoes of the parent space

perhaps the shards may be used
jagged turned to be embraced
showing red of inner self
where to stand and where to fall
balanced on the razor’s edge
exacting truth I’ll regret.

© 2017. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20171117.