Getting Out of My Own Way

I am the textbook definition of an introvert
Trust me, I even looked it up
I keep to myself and say very little
Going through life where I simply hush up
I am often misconstrued as haughty
Disinterested or angry with others
I use three words instead of using seven
So direct and short in my words that it bothers
I am more aware today of the way that I am
Though I appear cold that is not the truth
I bear emotion and care quite deeply in fact
I have been this way ever since the days of my youth
I open up to a small group of people
But still the same, I don’t reveal all
I keep my thoughts very much my own
And in doing so I make others feel small
My heart breaks in two for the hurt that I cause
Dealing in pain was not my intention
But through the words from my lips or my body’s inaction
The impression of others I give is distraction
I am alone most the time and the funny thing is
By definition it’s what I like best
But to cut people out or misrepresent myself
Brings a pain that builds up in my chest

I attempt to make strides at opening up
It’s silly but it’s against my nature
It’s too easy for me to just draw back inside
Almost as shell like a giant sea creature
I ask for your patience, I’m doing my best
This is not a natural skill
My true self I will work to bring forth out to you
With determination and sheer force of my will