I seem stoic
When you mock me
I appear composed
When you sneer
I feign a calm air
When you strike me
I exert indifference
When you leave me behind

No matter how sonorous the din
I cannot forget
No matter how quick I run
I cannot escape
No matter how effective my ammunition
I cannot fight
No matter how thick my blinders
I cannot ignore

There is nothing that can protect me
From the fear within