Twins

I’ve known the twins all my life
unnamed in childhood
and ever near
Dolores and Angustia
danced around me
taunting
bullying
unwelcome and unexpected
made their presence felt

intimidatingly tall
long dark locks
dragging night behind her
Dolores looms over everyone
moving slowly
she casts all in shadow
leaving memories of darkness
a fool’s hope for light

Angustina’s golden blond tresses
electrifying flashes bring unnerving surprises
she grips my chest
as I gasp for air
she releases only with fear
leaving nowhere safe
no place of refuge

my oldest companions
weaving the fabric of decades
they have shaped me
taught me humility
through grief
safety in introspective solitude

now named
their power wanes
if but just a little
a glimpse of normalcy
periods of relief
of joy
and love
quick to remind me
they remain