On the Inside

On the outside
I seem
To not even
Try.
To not even
Care.
And I don't
Think I do.
For the most part.

On the inside
Fires rage
And it seems
They burn
Stronger
With each passing
Day.
On the inside
Planets collide
And burst
Like so many grapes
In my stubborn
Grip.
On the inside
I don't know
What the outside
Wants
Or needs.
On the inside
I am a
Lion
Watching carefully
Approaching
Slow...
...ly
Afraid
To pounce
To roar
To talk
The way that
Everyone
Seems prone to.

The lion lays
Down.
He shakes
Droplets of water
From his mane.
Tucks his big, hairy
Head
Between huge
Paws
And never
Ever let's his
Tears
Reflect sunlight.