INSIDE
Inside I fantasize and pretend
To never be deceived or destroyed
By forces unknown
Or love's vagaries
Indestructible I remain
Till death comes my way
And my body decays
Until that glorious day
Inside I cradle my soul
Protecting my psyche and emotions
From those who might destroy
Whatever freedom I have left
I choose to be left intact
A paramount of strength and fortitude
Against life's vicissitudes
I choose solitude
Inside is outside reversed
Where I've lived too long
Protected from no one
Whom might wish me harm
I now realize the irony
Of shelf-righteous retreat
For all who dare cheat
And in the end suffer defeat
A. KEITH BARTON