The Shell (Poem)

This is a poem written a year ago after I tried to describe to someone what it was like being an outcast while I was growing up, and how it affects your ability to trust another. I rediscovered it this morning thumbing through my journal. I have a friend now going through something similar....

When the waters grow deeper
The world darkens before your eye
You reach and you search
Find nothing no matter how you try
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God's Light diminishes
As you hide behind that wall
Protect yourself from the darkness
With a wall strong and tall
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A knock at the door
A lance of pain sears
You lash out at the invader
As you fight off your tears
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The blow you make hits
But no matter how you try
The invader persists
Trying to make you cry
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A crack at the wall
Light floods inside
Fearing the unknown
Into the shadows you hide
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A hand reaches in
You lash out again
The hand is still there
Bloody and grim
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A gentle voice coaxes
Get out of that shell
Place your trust in Me
I will make you well
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Bewildered and frightened
You shrink back some more
Afraid heart and soul
Of the voice at the door
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The hand is still there
No harsh words are said
No scolding, no reprimand
No curse from the dead
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You place your hand
In the hand of the other
As you leave that shell
You may find a Brother

-ESA