Normal-

Is what I imagine the world would be

if it was in hiding,

getting by on a sliver of illumination

scared of its own shadow.

I used to hide myself as well

from everything-

under layers of distance

often under layers of clothes

but that was not normal,

or so I’ve been told.

 

I’ve always been afraid of mediocrity

the sister demon to normalcy

more insidious in its patience

always loitering around the corner;

the siren’s call is always there

if I choose to listen.

 

So in my second incarnation,

as I slowly pick my self-installed locks,

I can see normal from a distance

peeking its head out

curious and waiting to pounce.

But I walk right by

Eyes forward into the bright deviancy.