Peel Back This Shell

A piece from about a year ago, justifying his withdrawal from romantic involvements. With his recent history, who would blame him?

Peel Back This Shell

Peel back this shell
I know it well
and I am not amused at all
to feel this skin
made thick from thin
to shelter hope behind a wall.

I'd rather bleed
of courtier's need
than chain myself upon the stone
away from harm
away from charms
with paramours of barren bones.

That I must fall?
I know this, all,
but do not envy those content
with tepid trance
of frail romance
and wonder where their passion's spent.


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.