Like a tower made of stone
I am fast and so alone
All my doors and windows closed
An isolation self imposed
 
Strangers sometimes stop and call
As they pass outside the wall
transitory conversation
As they pass my isolation
 
They have come from far away
And briefly pause but don’t delay
While those I know come through that gate
And in the outer bailey wait
 
What do they think as they stand there
Between my walls so cold and bare
Acquaintances stand far away
Near the outer wall they stay
 
But friends stand by the inner wall
Waiting for my welcome call
And for a few I end the wait
And let them through the inner gate
 
Some relations, chosen friends
Ere transitory friendship ends,
Approach the keep but find no door
And so perceive this tower’s flaw
 
No one ever comes within
I see out but none see in
A private space inviolate
No outside door, no entrance gate
 
I am imprisoned in the stone
And wear my fingers to the bone
Watching how each blood drop drips
From worn and bleeding fingertips
 
My fingernails are torn and gone
But still I have to struggle on
I know I cannot run away
I’m locked inside and have to stay