Unknown

Surrounded by those I know,

But into strangers eyes I gaze,

As who I am becomes more distant,

I look for escape in the midst of this haze.

 

This ebb and flow I call each day,

As life passes in its hurried way,

Time becomes an enemy of all,

The only result the strengthening of this wall.

 

Trapped in a life I built for myself,

It wasn’t till late I looked around,

Realized this wasn’t what I’d had in mind,

When first I laid the foundation down.

 

Bound in a chain of loyalty and honor,

Unable to break free the links grow longer,

Each a weight upon my back,

A reminder of the strength I find I lack.

 

Weakness grows inside though hidden,

This veil I maintain grows thin,

If only will would rise greater when bidden,

But this is a battle I fear I can’t win.

 

Accustomed to bottling in my mind,

In my own counsel comfort I find,

This burden is mine and cannot be shared,

Though layers from my armor are pared.

Thinking to myself what I might give,

For even a short time to live,

Free from these thoughts and this burning inside,

A chance from what I am to hide.

 

At times a light I think I see,

Invariably the “flash in the pan,”

For rather than escape or chance to be free,

Fate snatches back her cruel, teasing hand.

 

This ebb and flow I call each day,

As life passes in its hurried way,

Time becomes an enemy of all,

The only result the strengthening of this wall.

 

Surrounded by those I know,

But into strangers eyes I gaze,

As who I am becomes more distant,

I look for escape in the midst of this haze.