Everywhere

I said, "Stop,"

but they would not hear,

their silence a cage,

their presence, my fear.

"It's suffocating me,"

I tried to explain,

but they shook their heads,

unmoved by my pain.

Their resolute eyes

cast doubt on my truth,

a shadow that loomed,

stealing my youth.

I sought a place

to bury my cries,

to shield my heart

from their endless eyes.

Cowed in corners,

I longed for air,

but they are everywhere—

everywhere