Protector

My demons still haunt me. 
They scratch and they scream. 
My head is not where it may seem. 
I am cool on the surface,
But deep down there's a rage inside of me.
I dare not let it out. 
I dare not try to see. 
They're clawing at my chest. 
Trying to escape.
Trying to ruin me. 
This temple I have built. 
My mind I have vaulted.
Like a high security prison.
Nothing is leaving. 
On the inside I'm grieving. 
My innocence was lost. 
Now I'm left with this open box. 
How did I open it?
I don't even remember. 
My chest hurts 
From the scratching and the nawing
Still the demons keep clawing. 
My flesh is a cage. 
They want out. 
They want me to set their stage.
I live like this on the daily. 
Hiding who I am. 
And my palms get shaky. 
I wish at least someone would thank me. 
I opened Pandora's box,
But I learned how to cage it. Only I hold the key. 
The world won't run in terror
Thankfully my skin is made of leather.