The Conquest.

you almost forget, it’s buried so deep
you learned not to let your light shine
learned to cover yourself with a smudge

everyone avoids the one with the smudge
it’s easier to hide the feelings deep
it’s easier to pretend not to shine

you cannot fail if you don’t try to shine
you can always succeed with your smudge
you know they won’t look all that deep

but from deep, against your will, the shine always conquers the smudge

22 thoughts on “The Conquest.

    1. michellelongo

      I spent more time than I care to admit thinking about a finger smudge on stainless steel appliances but I vowed not to write about my refrigerator. I’m glad I found another use for the word.

  1. Just Me

    I really liked that you left us with a hopeful feeling at the end. I agree with Cyn that “smudge” surprised me… it adds a depth that made me think more than if you used something more conventional like “shadow.” Nice work

  2. Christine

    This has a really fierce strength and confidence. I love the way you take us from darkness to light.

  3. MichelleH

    I like how empowering this is. Smudge as a counterpoint was jarring against the concept of a shine, but it worked. After all, a smudge can’t completely block out the shine, can it?

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