The soul is watered by the tears of adversity
So said a Charlie Brown comic strip
When I was old enough to feel that statement was wise
And too young to understand what it really meant
Before the walls of my castle were completed
Was an innocence to be cherished and loved
But sad is the one who cannot defend from the world
For it is cruel and unforgiving
Innocence was not lost, but hidden behind walls
Deep and thick to defend against the arms
Of those I thought would destroy me
Until I realized that I had done their work for them
A prisoner inside my own safety
No one could harm me, but no one could help either
Flirting with madness and despair, rescue came as life
Something to live for outside my cloying kingdom
The walls came tumbling down, not quickly, but surely
And though I foresake the memory of those days
I cannot wish to change them
For the damage done, fostered my present today
And in no other way could I be who I am.