Dawn & Dusk

Why did the people
Trying to help me
Sound like the voices
Depression sent me?

I went to them
To be released
But they tightened the straps
And added a leash

The condemnation, the shame
The endless berating
Why did they echo
My internal narration?

They thought I was weak
And they did not hide it
Or they did not know
That they hadn’t disguised it

Their words, their judgement
Dug me deeper
Took years away
From a hopeful future

They wore me down
Until I almost broke
So I retreated behind
A protective cloak

Formed a shield
So I would heal
Until I was strong enough
To finally reveal