I stand here a fortress. Nothing makes it through these walls. My shell, so hard there’s no deviation from the black and white I live in.

They’ve tried to reach in and touch inside. Every time they have to pull back from the heat or cold.     I clutch my armour around my heart, no one will ever harm me again. No one will ever know the pain.

If I show them the pain I might have to look at it myself.

You came. You asked me about the pain. Why do I need to look ?

Now I stand raw and alone in a maelstrom of emotions, that I can’t begin to comprehend.

The only thing left is to reach out and touch you.