Touch Not the Walls

In the context of recent events, perhaps as much a warning to trespassers as a plea for redemption.

Touch Not the Walls

touch not the walls that I have set
to keep you out, to my regret.
I need them there to keep me sane
again the knowledge of the pain.

touch not the walls that I have built
of shadowed rage and patient guilt.
I've sculpted them of faded day
that I might keep the past in play.

touch not the walls that I endure
for actions rash and thoughts impure.
my prison shell, my private hell,
the place, this face, wherein I dwell.


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.