Keep Out

I see you
locked away,
in your private
world of pain.

I want
to reach you
with good news,
but your door
is tightly shut.

The notice to
keep out
swings
on rusty hinges.

It has remained
in place
for decades,
and the sentiment
hasn't changed.

I want
to see
you free,
but you can't fathom
what that would look like,
and you would
rather stay
with the devil you know
than a thought
that is different.

I know
you won't
receive
the answer
until you have
asked the question.

I pray
one day soon,
those words
will come to you.