I am a fortress, built of stone and steel

My heart encased, unable to feel

I am tough, hardened by life’s cruel cost

But lost, adrift, with no sense of exhaust.

My walls are high, my moat is deep

My guard is up, my secrets to keep

I am impenetrable, a force to behold

Yet inside I am empty, alone and cold.

I’ve been hurt before, too many times

So I protect myself, with these hardened lines

I don’t let anyone in, no matter how close

For fear of the pain, the hurt and the blows.

But sometimes I wonder, is it worth the cost

To be tough, hard, guarded and lost?

To live life in solitude, with no one to trust

Is this really what it means to be tough?

-Tough-

Blessings and Love! 🖤🤎💙💚🧡💛💗💜🤍❤

Thank you for reading.