i am a rock

a winter's day

in a deep and dark december;

i am alone

gazing from my window to the streets below

on a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow. i am a rock

i am an island. i've built walls

a fortress deep and mighty

that none may penetrate. i have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. it's laughter and it's loving i disdain. i am a rock

i am an island. don't talk of love

but i've heard the words before;

it's sleeping in my memory. i won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died. if i never loved i never would have cried. i am a rock

i am an island. i have my books

and my poetry to protect me;

i am shielded in my armor

hiding in my room

safe within my womb. i touch no one and no one touches me. i am a rock

i am an island. and a rock feels no pain;

and an island never cries.