A Tale of Two Archives

I built two shelves through work and years
One for the world and one for my fears
The first stands tall in codices well-named
Talks and graphs and thoughts well-framed
It speaks where the world can see
A polished tale of legacy
In journals bound and references neat
Peer reviewed and form complete
The second hides in softer light
Of truths I scribbled at night
In pages creased and margins worn
Of dreams once bright of selves once torn
One seeks the nod of outward eyes
The other hears my inner cries
Together both though cast apart
Compose the contours of my heart
So let them stand side by side
The face I show the one I hide
Each tells a truth but not whole alone
When joined they form a richer tone
— 09/05/25

Commentary: Over the last few weeks, I am beginning to realise that my personal archive is actually 2 archives – public archive (materials already in public view, such as publications) and private archive (such as diaries). Maybe there is even a secret archive – to be destroyed upon death.