The Shell

Glistening tears at night I shed,

For to long, my rampaging emotions to them, I've fed.

A long time though, I have locked them up,

Hoping their endless taunts would stop.

But all they do is prick and pry at me,

weakening my shell endlessly.

And one day, my shell will rip and tear,

and my emotions will fly everywhere.

The worst will be released on the wrong people, 

and I will stand there, weak, defenseless, and feeble. 

But in a few seconds be sure,

my shell will be built around me once again, strong and secure.

of course, another day will come when my shell shatters.

Maybe I'll be strong enough to leave it in tatters,

for all to know my true self inside,

but for now, away my true self resides.

And through my tears I hope some day.

Someone will take apart my shell, if you may.

See my emotions, true thoughts, fears, and dreams.

Just lay here with me and hold me, so I do not scream,

about how vulnerable and weak I feel without my shell,

and how much pain and suffering it causes me as well.

For my shell is a safegaurd to keep me protected.

It keeps me from being truly connected.

Sometimes my biggest fear is pain,

and so I hold the burden of my shell in vain.

But my hope lives on for a better day.

One where my true colors shine through, not dulled by dismay.

For my shell is becoming heavier with each passing hour.

Behind it I sit and solemnly cower.

I wait for the day when, you see,

my shell is washed away from me.