The Guilt I Bear

By Safa Mahmood

blood has dried underneath my nails,

with filth amidst it, too,

from digging out the guilt I bear,

till I am hollowed through.

now unfeeling, I hurt those I love,

till one by one they take their leave.

I crawl to them behind what I call remorse,

like the dark conceals the thief.

then my selfish acts catch up to me,

& the void demands to be filled with feeling again,

so it boils up to my throat till I choke,

renders all my numbness to be in vain.

in the gallows of my harmful deeds,

all my harmless intentions hanged here,

my fingers are bruised & broken

from digging out the guilt I bear.

By Safa Mahmood