You thought you’d show them

how anger leaves the body like a cloud 
of pigeons taking flight. How boredom 
lifts in the study of downy mint leaf 
laid on the tongue. How despair
isn't permanent, slides by like a log 
carried downstream. Shame burns out 
in the arms of someone who hears you. 
After fear there are soft resting places, 
yellow lamplight shining in a mind 
of tucked-in corners. You didn't know 
you'd burst with their feelings, 
come to each as though for your first time.