We walk alone
within ourselves
holding court
in our own minds
before the judge
and jury of
our pasts.
We defend our acts
We defend who we are
without even letting
the words be spoken
by our imagined accusor.
The scars we bear
from the hurts
we've endured
the cynicism we carry
in our hearts
from the things
we've seen
all end with
an image of
ourselves we feel
is thrust upon us
by our aggressors
but in reality
we create
that image
it all
holds us back
it keeps us
from who we
could be
Lay down your shield
drop your defenses
yes,
you may be hurt
again
But without sorrow
how can one ever
know great joy?
Build your character
from experiences all
not from behind
your self-imposed
prison walls
K.Tate Jacoby
copyright 1/28/08
(revised June 9, 2010)