Someone’s trying to get in.
I can feel them.
The bang bang bang,
and clash clash clash.
They’re trying to tear the walls down.
I won’t let them.

I send out strength.
Steel, cold and hard.
They can’t break me.
I won’t let them.

I send out pride.
Defy them.
They can’t see it hurts.
I won’t let them.

I send out anger.
Because then I can fight.
They won’t beat me.
I won’t let them.

I send out indifference.
They give up.
They tried to break my barriers.
I won’t let them.

They won’t see me weak,
or vulnerable or frail.
They won’t see me cry,
or curse or scream.

They will see strength.
Impenetrable, solid strength.
They will see pride.
Defiant, confident pride.
They will see anger.
Ruthless, searing anger.
They will see indifference.
Unmoving, unwavering indifference.

But most of all they will see masks
Masks, facades, and shields.
Because they will not see me fall.