Tarnished

Tarnished
by John Trent

Long since removed, its brilliance dulled
Each lasting memory has been tarnished forever
Deep, the impression, a reminder of our past
Heavy is pain’s veil and so slow to lift

The grand façade crumbles in ruin
Exposing lies, long hidden from view
Every cut and wound litters each soul
From a broken childhood, not soon forgotten

Blinded by denial, disbelief, and fear
Sickness controlled each and every thought
The secrets and whispers, anguish and denial
The cancer devoured our fragile cores

With lies exposed, the deep scars remain
Our family portrait has eternally changed
Removed forever, with its dark veil lifted
On the counter it sits, a lone golden band