The time clock ticks away,
My worldview begins to dull,
forces externally begin to haze,
leaving an angry buzzing in my skull.

So then angrier I became,
wearing the buzz protection,
until halfway till twenty-two I no longer felt the same,
Instead the little girl who only deserved love and affection.

Down go the barriers, I built from broken promise stones,
Down with the cement mixed with my own tears,
Reminding myself that my body and my person is my own,
Reminding myself pain truly does heal when given enough years.

I may stumble a few places, but controlling how I react,
Even if it's for a moment to remind myself I'm safe,
While still keeping my boundaries in tact,
and making sure I don't lower a knee onto my self-worth.

So down goes the barriers created to make myself seem a beast,
And down go the barriers deterring possible friends to meet,
Because now is the time to choose peace,
And match the energy of someone you'd greet.

© Andy McCallister