The Armour Poem by Veena Shankar Kunnath

The battle shield, the thick shell, the brick walls- we've heard it all;
The armour we wear to glue us tight when into pieces we might just fall.
You've seen that face when you steal a glance at your closest friend,
When a random man carelessly tugs at a string she is yet to mend.
You've watched her face calm, her fingers at ease.
The sight they see, a picture of perfect peace.
You've watched her draw curtains, the raging storm beneath to hide.
You've watched her smile, while she pushed what she felt aside.
You've done that yourself- when you said 'I'm fine' on that day of your tragic loss.
As if your words were enough to veil that your life had just gone for a mighty toss.
You shove them aside into that dirty corner yearning for light.
For completion, you throw over it a thick blanket to cover that hideous sight.
They do haunt you every night, you become aware then of your own breath,
Yet you hold on like a flower that never blooms, but carries it's scent hidden, till it's very death.
When somebody comes along, you wonder in silence, "Is this the one that you seek? "
Will they flinch- will they run- god forbid will they leave if you let them have a peek?
You wait with bated breath, peel yourself down, layer by layer;
Praying, that inspite of the scars that disgust you, to stay in your life, this time they will dare.