Shackled Poem by Katie Anon

Shackles around my ankles
Every step an effort
They cut deep, my skin feels raw
My body heavy and sore

Exhaustion often overwhelms
My eyes become so heavy
My body feels so weak
And I retreat into sleep

Nothing I do lessens their weight
Everything has become so hard
They drain all my energy
So I can not even function properly

These shackles are within myself
And they are mine alone to bear
Impossible for others to see
But everyday they cripple me