Caged

I sniffed the pungent essence of life,
Regarding it with distaste and curiosity.
Random thoughts circle my overused brains,
Driving me nuts with doubled intensity,

Looking back was never hard,
For the numbness of the past had long subsided.

So why?
Do I still feel,
Its poision clutches extending,
Inflicting pain,
On my already scarred heart.

In my mind's eye,
I have created an unreachable place,
Barred with wrought-iron,
Encircled by an invisible barrier,
In hopes to prevent intruders,

And myself from leaving its premises.