The neverending cycle of hope and dread
That ebbs and flows and crushes the soul. 
Like a punch in the gut, and a stab in the heart –
Piercing through the skin I’ve worn so well,
Crashing the gates of walls I’ve built for myself.

The impenetrable fortress of fear and shame
bites at my core and stings through my veins. 
How long more can I hold onto this edifice
Before one last crack sends it down in a blaze?