Confines

what's the incentive
to speak my mind
when it's just so easy
to bury my feelings deep down inside
when nothing's ventured
then nothing's betrayed
and I give nothing away

inquiring minds
want to know
and their hungry hands
push and pull
but the more you push
the further away I get
and content to elude your grasp
I remain withdrawn

eyes to the ground
fixed grin on my face
avoid conversation
with those who could never understand
I feel the weight of their judgment
as it's pressed upon me

their leering eyes
and knowing looks
hushed whispers full of
condemnation
that seek to sentence me
but I'm beyond reproach
exiled in my mind
withdrawn

just one more day
living on
emotional lockdown
systematically alienating
the world around me
as I make my move
towards isolation
the perfection of desire
withdrawn

I close my eyes
and this world slips away
retreat into myself
down darkened hallways
through the recesses of my mind
far removed
from the outside world
free at last
safe inside
withdrawn