Secret Gardens

This poem is written from the point of view of the person who does not feel the need to share everything about themself in a friendship or relationship. It may also apply to a person in therapy. It seeks to capture, through the 'secret garden' metaphor, the conflict between being experienced as 'closed off' and needing that space to retreat to, as a source of self renewal. 

 

 

A place where no one goes but me 

That no one knows exists but yet suspects 

Behind tall walls and a steel gate that allows glimpses 

To which I and only I, have the key 

 

There, I keep the parts of me I do not wish to share 

Thoughts, dreams, fantasies, experience  

The threads that form the tapestry of my life 

Some of which, even I, am unaware 

 

At times, I escape and take a wander round 

I note the colours, hues, light and shade 

I listen to the powerful silence 

Amazed that such composition has no sound 

 

Must I share this place with you? 

They say there must be no secrets? 

May I keep this tiny piece of me for me ? 

From within myself, to renew? 

 

©Caitriona King 2023