Shell

I withdraw my steps Closing door after door Till no steps remain And the last door closed Yet there is a thin film of air That intrudes the wall and me My skin crawls Wishing the space would cease to be I hold on to the wall Lest the pounding shatters it Afraid the eyes from out Would cause blisters on me I fear the hands Waiting outside the wall Not knowing their purpose To protect or to maul The shell, the only refuge I trust Is where I wish to be Knees drawn to the chin Shielded from pain and agony