I wrote this poem October 13, 1986, then realized today that it was what I was going through right now, but in a different way. Back then, I thought I built the walls all by myself. But now I’m realizing how much my Grandma built walls of fear for me when I was just 8 years old! See my next book, “Healing The Writer”, to learn what I mean. With God’s help, Little Danny, the terrified 8 year old who lives in a corner of my soul, is about to step outside the walls forever!
Outside the Walls
I lived in a prison for many a year,
Inside the four walls that I built with my fear.
The air was rancid, surroundings were stark,
I sat in my chains, alone in the dark.
The safety of prison, inside my cell,
No one could touch me in my private hell.
I sat and I pondered, what could be wrong?
I would not leave, so I sang my fear song.
God showed me a picture, life sunny and free,
I shrank in the corner, not wanting to see.
He drew me so gently, through the cell door,
Freed me to love, not keeping score.
Looked back at my prison, from down the road,
How massive the walls, my fear to hold.
They fell as I watched, rubble and dust,
I scarce could believe, but do so I must.
I felt very naked, the walls were not there,
People could see me, people could care.
I tottered along, mid flowers and grass,
With a foreboding that this too would pass.
My eyes grew stronger, facing the light,
I no longer hungered to hide in the night.
My step grew steady, bolder, more sure,
Freely accepting the loving so pure.
Thoughts Along The Road to Healing 
I like your poem. Thanks for sharing!
I like this poem and can relate to it though i was never good with words
thank you for sharing those wonderful words Dan. I can truly relate to them, being brought up with alcoholic parents .. and then marrying an alcoholic too!
Keep up the good work :o)
Shona, thank you so much for your kind words about this poem! You can certainly relate in that special way of someone who’s been through it!
Thanks for the encouragement to keep sharing – I’ll do so!