with a few words I conceal
under an ocean’s depth of denial
flaws and faults
I minimize old pain
with bland responses that reveal nothing
of my hurt
You see only what I show
a crystal castle floating on blue seas
translucent
sparkling pinnacles of light
white perfection—an undefiled mirage
jeweled spires
cutting against cobalt sky
graceful illusions I used to disguise
their untruths
below the surface lurks lies—
love frozen into grotesque mutations
sea monsters
horrors and deceits they hide
underneath where unexpected currents
buffet me
until I writhe free and climb
back into the sunlight of brilliant diamonds—
my iceberg
Copyright 2012 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman
