When you stuff it down -
the hurt,
the anger,
the sadness -
it’s like a jack-in-the-box.
You think you’ve hidden Jack away,
by pushing him down,
closing and locking the lid,
but you’ve just loaded the spring.
You think you’re keeping these feelings at bay
but you’re just turning the crank.
Angry,
hurt,
sad Jack
is going to pop up
at an unexpected time
and everyone is going to
jump.
A jack-in-the-box
is a fun toy for children,
but no way to handle
your emotions.