Within the depths of your shell, as you go about your day,

you force me to sleep, you keep me at bay.

Like some pet locked up in its cage,

I refuse to be subdued, so I whimper and rage.

You can't put me to sleep, I crawl in your skin.

I chew at your bones with canine force from within.

I somehow taste blood from no physical fight,

as you submit to those with all bark and no bite.

Don't you realize your wounds, are all the same as mine?

Only I remember each scar and don't pretend that it's fine.

I mock you with a grin every time you try to let your dreams die,

My eyes may be closed, but I can still sniff out every lie.

It's about time you stop trying to put me under,

I'm your inner beast you hear growling like thunder.

I promise that when you free me from my deep slumber,

you'll realize that you were never meant to feel like a number.