---

Rhon-da L. Barbour

The Walls

Around my existence lie four 'walls'.
They do not serve to protect, or
shelter.

For their foundation is fear, hate,
and anger.
I keep these walls, to keep others
happy.

Instead I grieve the cost of
artificial joy.
I sacrifice inner happiness for
outer tears.

There is one escape, a small black door.
Hidden in the corner of my mind.

It has a lock, which is old and rusted.
The key lies outside my realm, out
of reach.

It seemed like only a whisper away.
Oh yes, long ago I almost left this
hole.

Long ago my heart heard the silent cry,
When true love came knocking at my
door...