Inside the Walls
My walls are tall. I’ve built them strong
To keep out all who don’t belong.
It seems a lonely life but not so much.
For protection, safety’s sake,
I’ve built them so they cannot break.
You can’t be hurt if you cannot be touched.
Here in my heart alone I dwell
Within this mighty citadel.
A fortress keeping foreigners at bay.
I won’t expose my fragile heart
To those who might tear it apart.
My signs are posted, “Danger! Keep away!”
I like it here with only me.
Though I may hurt, no one can see.
My secrets safe from anybody else.
With solitude my only friend
My heart might have a chance to mend.
At least that’s what I try to tell myself.
Perhaps, someday I’ll drop my shield,
My fortress then an open field
Where one might dance and play beneath the sky.
But until then I’ll keep them strong,
Staying here where I belong,
Where none will ever see the tears I cry.
Yet, strangely I can faintly hear
A quiet voice drift to my ear.
Singing, “Let me in,” persistently.
It troubles me to hear this song
That gently echoes on and on.
For why would anybody want to be
In here with me
Copyright © Stephen Tefft | Year Posted 2025
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