If you were here I'd accept defeat
with my head held high, and I could meet
my enemies with brave words and a smile,
and come out of hiding, if just for a while.

But no. You're elsewhere - and I am scared;
too frightened to try; too frightened to dare
to attempt to leave my comfort zone,
or escape the iron safety of home.

I can no longer hear your voice in my head,
or even remember the words that you said
when you cared
and I was brave
and it was different.