My Shield

by Galan Mayas

I feel it coming

          suffocating and squeezing

          but at the same time

Protecting my heart.

          I can’t fight it

          I need help

But alas am alone.

          Longing for a touch

          To give me strength

It has happened before

          But now I know that it cannot hold me.

          Before, only sticks and stones

          Could break these bones

          But now it seems

          Only names can hurt me.