The Box

Wrapped tightly round my soul

I’ve constructed paper visions

and quite frequently they tear

revealing walls of stone beyond

Backed firmly in a corner

cold and hard against my spine

I can feel the icy needles

breaking through

I fight

My eyes reflect the pain

I laugh

My throat constricts instead

I shake the feeling

from the fragile thread

of strength inside

The walls are firm around me

and I often feel afraid

but I will not take my eyes away

from the tender crack I’ve made

I fight

My eyes reflect the pain

I laugh

My throat constricts instead

Do no look at me!

Your pity hurts as much as this!

This box

This cage contains me

But I shall not be confined

For as long as I can reach beyond

I’ll not be stuck inside.