Layered (a poem)

All those years
piling on layers
of my own design,
deep and unyielding,
packed tight
by every boot
that walked over me
to get where it was going.

In this life,
I sat with my fears,
as they towered above,
built strong and tall.
Stacked high
one on another
till I could not see the sun.

Day after day,
it brought me strife.
I picked at the pain
that lay just beneath
cracked veneer,
till all the pieces fell away.

Still they came
making me pay
for each new sin
and every time the shell
lacked strength.

Here I stand,
taking the blame
for all my past failures
and those yet to come.

I look to you
and ask for a hand
as I poke at what remains.

Turn and see,
as I lose you too,

there’s nothing left but me.  

~ elr