busyWarning: This poem contains some touchy topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes reference to sexual abuse by priests, phobia of the color yellow, panic attacks, and other angst. Please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
"A Horror of the Color Yellow"
The boy who had been touched by priests
refused to go near any of them again,
even the ones he did not know.
He had a horror of the color yellow
and panic attacks around holy things.
When he was taken to the healing temple
with a fever, he screamed when he
saw the unicorns, scattering them
to the far side of the meadow.
But the unicorns were wise,
and good at going unseen.
When the boy broke his leg
and was again brought to
the temple for healing,
not a unicorn was in sight.
There was only the touch of a horn
from behind a pillar to bring relief.
* * *
Notes:
Priests sometimes abuse children. There are ways to recover from sexual assault.
Anyone can have a panic attack, especially after a stressful experience. When they happen frequently and/or without a credible threat present, enough to disrupt everyday life, that becomes panic disorder. There are many ways to stop panic attacks and deal with panic disorder.
