Honed

I grew my lies like claws

For protection from those
Who I feared would do me harm
If they knew the truth.

Yet these nails made it harder
To walk
And progress.

So I was safe,
But stationary

And I was armed,
But alone

When all I really wanted
Was to reach out
To someone
Anyone

And let them get close.

But I knew in my heart
The damage these claws could cause

And that no one would be hurt
More than myself
For trying