PRISONS ARE NOT ALWAYS MADE OF BRICKS AND MORTAR, by Linda R

Bullies, with physical violence
and shouted words, build invisible prisons.
As real as mortared bricks, these unseen walls rise.
Although innocent, I am sentenced to
my confining cell.

Each slap or push becomes another brick.
Cruel taunts add mortar to strengthen my cell
while I, their victim, stand isolated and alone
Locked behind these unseen walls,
my courage dies.

Then, one day, I choose to lift my head. 
No longer seeing these bullies as prison guards,
I shove against their mental walls,
Deciding to walk away
I am reborn.