The Down Upside

As I yearn to return to the past, my folly, like a dog to its vomit,

my past keeps me from sharing, hiding my personality in a closet.

Being alone is a paralyzing and everlasting thorn

the feeling of someone leaving, I’ve long mourned

I loathe self-sacrifice, but I’d bleed my soul dry

my past reminded me never to open up or try

toxicity and manipulation always caused me fear,

then I really met you, and swore your soul was clear.

your smile, your skin, your intentions- everything suddenly appeared

anything that made you happy, I just had to mirror 

I couldn’t help but long to be near her

who would have ever known that you’d compel

Unveiling secrets, some about the past, a troubling tell

we would always talk, in person or via cell 

but “I love you,” I say, thinking I have found the right clientele

Will our relation last, I just don't know this

I tell you how I see our perfect imperfectness

but my past has ruined my perception of true bliss

I feel the urge to accept your kiss

how could I ever reject your touch, a favorable cyst

—

I now receive my empirical crown,

After accepting my reality, I decided to echo it all over town.

But how would they feel if I told them they're a clown?

Because this poem was actually intended to be read upside down.