There are two reasons why people get defensive.

They are either being greeted with a categorical lie about their nature.

But more likely an absolute but as of yet unaccepted truth of themselves.

Don't blame the lion for the pride
Don't let yourself whisper those insults
Don't see the bad and push away the good
Realize there's more to the pride than that
Because even though the Alpha Male
May not be who you'd choose
It's not up to you
Or me
Or he
It's up to the fittest
And his mighty roar may petrify the gazelles
Who ignorantly graze on the pride's land
Who sheepishly bolt away from danger
But the pride should have no fear
The pride should rally around the fearsome roar
Not be scattered around like gazelles
And when one member
Leaves the pride
He steps off the captain's seat
And begins to eat the grass

I've built these walls
Its vibrant rusty red hue was now faint
Abused with graffitied names I've been called
Gaping cracks and poison ivy cradle its stance

I've built these walls
Its purpose is to protect me from harm
But you are the strongest of storms
And you've come my way ready to break them down

I've built these walls
They are tired of existing like myself
They crumble into pieces, my aura is exposed
I look into your starless eyes, knowing it's dangerous to be this close

I've built these walls
They've been gone for some time
You broke through them then disappeared into the sky
Only to return with the most alluring sunshine
I've been waiting to feel for most of my life

-k.v