Beyond the picture frame.

BEYOND THE PICTURE FRAME.
sneak

Treading lines so finely balanced -
between their pleasure and my pain,
the result of drinking binges -
between the certified and sane.
I fly the flag for institutions -
that have raised me on their sin.
My relationship with madness -
persuades a maladjusted grin.
I am accepted with reluctance,
for in my eyes its clear to see -
a multitude of mounting problems -
breaking bonds with sanity.
Deep inside I foster yearnings.
Defying odds, I'll persevere.
Craving sleep to numb the feeling,
nightmares make it all too clear.
This disguise I wear is slipping.
Laughter-lines rewrite my face.
In their smiles, a hint of malice -
that my genes cannot replace.
Exposed by chemical reactions,
my eyes relinquishing the same.
They threaten me with knowing glances -
from beyond the picture frame.