In the quiet corners of a silent mind,
Where whispers gently ebb and softly wind,
Lived a soul in shadows, deeply shy,
Afraid to speak, afraid to try.

Years went by in muted grace,
Hiding in a secluded space,
Until one day, a spark ignites,
A heart awakens, seeks the light.

Tentative steps from darkness' hold,
Stories once buried, now bold,
Shared with those who seemed to care,
A newfound freedom, a breath of air.

Laughter mingled with the words,
Feelings took flight like freed birds,
A world anew with voices loud,
A soul once hidden, now unbowed.

Yet, in this dance of openness,
Came a voice, sharp and listless,
"You're too much," it sneered with scorn,
Leaving a spirit feeling torn.

The walls once crumbled, now rebuild,
Dreams and hopes again are stilled,
Back to the shell, the comfort zone,
Silent again, but not alone.

Whispers of doubt fill the air,
Echoes of laughter replaced by despair,
The heart retreats, wounds unspoken,
Trust once mended, now broken.

In the stillness, thoughts rewind,
To the days of being confined,
Wondering if the risk was worth the pain,
Or if silence should remain the reign.

Yet, the ember still faintly glows,
A reminder of what the heart knows,
That beyond the walls, the world is vast,
And courage can outlast the past.

So in the quiet, strength will swell,
And one day, emerge from the shell,
For hearts are resilient, they mend and grow,
Even after moments of retreat and woe.
© Azz_lia