Caged on a wicker throne
words conquer your mind
as tears fill the sky.

Where pages absorb fear
with dry hands
and encage it
in beauty.

You should go inside.
But in the night
you can't see the ghosts.
Those wait inside,

within the walls of the palace
the war rages on.
That's where you stand,
an army alone.

Tomorrow,
strap on your mask and put on a show.
Tell them that the words in your pocket
don't turn your chest cold.

But grab today
snap it closed so it won't stain.
Tuck it safe with the good days
and wrap it in the night.

You're not fearless.
But here on your throne,
it's easy
to pretend.

You're faking your laughs,
but they can't tell
what real is.
You learned from the best.

Clench your jaw
and fight their battles.
You'll resurface someday
a warrior.