The conflicted, the loved ones, or the stranger

To whom is it more transparent
the conflicted, the loved ones, or the stranger?

round and round
footsteps disappearing behind me
I walk
looking and staring
backwards onto
the empty path
and straight ahead
into the horizon
but never where I am
“oh that’s just how he is”
says those watching
falling prey to normalcy
as I have
but the stranger continues to frown
at the trench
my circles have dug in
a second horizon

round and round
footsteps deepening and multiplying behind me
I walk
a pilgrimage,
solitary
except for the moon’s embrace
and blanketing winds
a sleepy pair of eyes looks out the window
quite the spectacle to behold
no doubt
a lonely shivering boy
and waiting worried arms
each taking turns for
the boy’s darkest moments
at every footstep

round and round
footsteps clinging behind me
I walk
fear of my own shadow
has followed me
well beyond early years
and The future
horizon looming
a reminder in the distance
of chaotic sorrow amidst
chaotic sorrow
caught between an
inescapable past and
inevitable future
I silently scream
whilst my mask impresses

a question
not of right or wrong
but collective unity and growth

Shoebox of Projections, 2019
7′ x 7′ x 7′
Mixed Media Installation

Shoebox of Projections, 2019
7′ x 7′ x 7′
Mixed Media Installation