The fortress

Impenetrable

Walls so high to protect me

Even from myself

Deep in the basement

In cobwebs behind a door

Is the hiding place

Of secrets that are

Shrouded behind a dark veil

I dare not expose

Even to myself

Shielding me from destruction

If it is revealed

The fragile essence

Of guarded imperfections

You will never see

They are pounding now

On the doors to be released

To help set me free

I am not alone

I see it so clearly now

Your lock and your key

Let us take the steps

Find that hidden place of fear

Torment and sorrow

The war is over

Time has come to surrender

And break down the walls

Freed from the fortress

Rising…above the flaws

The flaws of humanity–

shredded and torn

tied and knotted

then stitched together

again and again

The flaws of humanity–

stripped and folded

bundled and bartered

then dealing the currency

again and again

The flaws of humanity–

belong to each of us

blood-curdled hands

in marching or folded arms

again and again

Yet still we rise above–

some seek a higher purpose

kissing our blemishes

our bruises and flaws

again and again