Mental illness held me prisoner,
As dread controlled my cognitions.

A hostage that could break anxiety,
Held captive by my own demons.

Forced into a life of isolation,
Hiding to avoid society’s flaws.

Needing to conquer apprehension,
Struggling to get out of my chains.

Declaring war against my fright,
Bravery had to prevail to beat horror.

Fighting panic as phobias resisted,
Battling an enemy that denied living.  

Courage broke breakable steel,
Made from fear that was meant to fracture.