Shield

I need a shield to protect me when I am feeling weak,
and to block out the world when I’m too scared to speak.
I need a shield to defend me when I have my fears,
and to hide my eyes when they’re streaming tears.
I need a shield so when I’m criticised the insults bounce away,
so I can be resilient and make it through the day.
I need it to protect me until my wounds are healed,
so now I’m going to a shop to buy myself a shield.