“Let my eyes adjust to the darkness”

by Keira Footer

My intent behind this poem was to explore how a relationship—whether romantic or a friendship—that starts out fulfilling and positive can suddenly turn negative. You become accustomed to this person treating you with care and love, only for them to unexpectedly take that away. I delve into the possibility that this person may have been hiding their true intentions or personality all along, and the speaker felt naive for falling for their deception.

That is your newfound behavior.

I’m sorry for growing accustomed to your rays.

I got too comfortable with the warm sun,

foolish to bask in its golden glory.

Yes, maybe this is a good thing,

I’ve been blinded for too long.

It was time for you

to turn off the light switch.

I was getting too attached –

a moth to a flame

Icarus to the sun,

I guess burning is inevitable.

I’ll grow used to the dark.

Find a new way to see,

adjust to the switch up

process the change.

I’ll navigate with a flashlight,

shining on the parts of you who lied;

who made me believe that this was real,

that you were real.

You have now become an image

my mind conjures in the dark.

The coat that vaguely resembles a monster,

the shadow that looks strangely familiar –  

I never really knew you.

All I ever saw was light,

and now I’ll learn

to adjust to the dark.