Crumpled Papers
I used to write notes to express my feelings
because it was a lot easier than splaying
my heart in front of a gaggle of onlookers
all wondering why I was making an effort
I wasn’t like that as a kid or a tween,
or a teen, for that matter, and it
traveled into young adulthood until
I finally realized that our true feelings
are all we have in our time here
I still find it easier to write an email
or send a text because I am such
a widespread and ultra-fanatical
introvert with a penchant for hiding
under even an adult bed to stay
in a safe zone where I can’t be hurt
But there was something in all those
crumpled papers that found their
way to all sides of the waste basket
and I think that something was
honesty
© Jonathan Greene, October 1, 2026
