Tears

Pained to speak 
through gritted teeth, 
when words retreat 
 for safety. 
Forced to hide, 
against a tide 
of thinly veiled 
 insanity.  

Hold back tears, 
Frozen by fear, 
relief appears 
 inaccessible.  
Body tenses, 
overwhelmed senses 
triggered defences, 
 inevitable.  

Halt time and space. 
Immobilized face, 
A tear escapes 
 detection. 
Fear overflowing, 
no one knowing, 
terror of showing 
 emotion. 

🌻