Does one despair

Such as I

A melancholy

Of which I can understand fully 

For what drags me down

Down to the most deepest of ebony depths

What is this that mires me

In sadness and pain and loathing

But my own shell

I encase myself in

It scratches at me 

And wicks me down

It screams "stay out"

But am I lying to myself

I can not tell

Can't see through the gray

Grim engulfment of grief

Do I want to be left alone

Or can anyone hear my silent cries

For comraderry and empathy

Written in the wrinkles of my face

For joy to replace