That we create within our inner self
Or inflict upon others in like manner
Be they loved ones, friends or foes.
Actions and reactions, damaging emotions
Dulling responses clouding our logic
So that in the end we are at the mercy
Of our own undoing, our ego shaken
Our psyche fractured, our stature diminished.

Bravely, callously, brazenly we brush aside
That which turns and churns within us
Vainly attempting to suppress and hide
Those damaging hurts that therein lurk and reside;
Only to be repeatedly confronted
By emotions deep in our psyche ingrained
Which will not dissipate, dilute or evaporate.

Instead, in direct contrast to our wishes and desires
Our inner hurts strengthen, grow, multiply
Burdening each of us evermore,
To where the strain and sorrow of that
Which we ourselves have borne or
Had to endure en masse from others
Builds, brick by brick, hurt by hurt
Within us like an inner wall
Festering, shrouding, crushing our senses
Until given the appropriate time and place
Our psyche is completely overwhelmed
Resulting in the final loss of reality,
Enabling those among us so affected
To act and react abnormally, illogically.

How then can we handle our hurts to
Prevent, parry, steel ourselves, attempt to
Provide an impenetrable emotional shield, yet
That is not the answer, it cannot be done this way.
Understanding, tolerance, atonement
Will go a long way, together with
Forgiveness, apologies, sincere redress
To those we have offended, and also to
Those who have done like to us.
Our hurts will never completely vanish
For we are fragile beings indeed, though
Perhaps with a little more love and kindness
Our hurts may be better neutralized.

Herbert Holzbauer 
© September 1999