Welcome!

Shae O'Brien grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and it has bred her to have a love for music, coffee, the ocean, and rain. Her love for writing was planted at a young age, with the encouragement of beautiful family and inspiring teachers, and grew into a passion she cannot go a day without. During the day, Shae is also an English teacher, promoting the art of the written word among the youth of Austin. Her writing has been featured in publications such as Off The Wookie, AIPF Di-verse-city Anthology 2012, and TWENTY: Poems In Memoriam. She recently self-published her first chapbook, "Truths Unspoken", which takes the reader on a poetic journey through the passion, love, heartbreak, and rebirth of a relationship. You may find her on any given night writing or performing her work around Austin, TX.



Please note that all poems and/or parts are the property of Shae O'Brien and should not be shared without giving due credit.



Thank you.






Friday, May 4, 2012

Wear the Mask


Hello world of black and white
Of up turned down
Get up get out
Let's size the masses
Group them so
Label and mark them
So we know
Who's right Who's wrong
Who's in who's out
Who's on our side
The rest left out

The girl stands solitude
One hand in the air
Not a fist of attack
Just a request to be heard
Will you call the name?
Will you answer the plea?
Or is she cast out
Not like you or me?

Is it too much to ask
Not to defend the knife in her back?

Yet we put it there
With gentle love and care
Say thank you and again please
One more stab of Love please
With no pain comes no compassion
Don't pretend you don't deserve it
Take it with prayers of thanksigiving
Let the bloodshed save your soul

The boy cowers in the corner
If we don't see him he might live
But always hiding always fearing
Truth painted in shame across his skin

Is it too much to ask
Not to defend the mockery of his naked life?

Yet Father knows best
We'll clean his soul with wicked words
Spare the rod spoil the sinner
Love the sinner but hate who he is
Do not change just wear the mask with pride
We'll keep your secret if you hide
Behind the face that speaks our truth
Will you wear the mask? And you?

And you?