A Safe Prison

It's really safe in here.

I can understand the warp and woof

Of what's out there.

The pattern is familiar

I've seen its shape

And have sung its song

Have worn its despair

Many times.

But it's safe in here --

Maybe not right

But easy and familiar.

Over and over I see

That the tremulous beauty

The heavenly warmth

The breath-stopping ecstasy

Last only hours

Before the voices come

To make havoc of my dreams.

They twist and tangle

And maul and destroy

The truth

And leave me with lies

Which I believe.

Yet, it's safe in here.

How else could things make sense?