Behind The Ugly

It’s sad the walls and fortresses
One builds around one’s self 
To hide, protect, justify 
To keep the peace, so not 
To have to open doors 
That have been firmly closed 
Content without relationship 
Than trekking brambled shores 
Losing precious fellowship 
That still could be restored
If one would take courage 

What makes those hurtful attitudes 
That somehow seem to say 
I know better than you do 
Pushes folks away 
Then at attempts to reconcile 
Forgiveness is not given 
Labeled forever ugly
Again, again, again 
Though in the first offense
The truth there may have been

Perhaps behind the ugly 
Is a shield from being hurt 
An effort to defend oneself 
From wounds or even worse 
The pain of deep rejection 
And the conflict of disdain 
Perhaps behind the ugly
One battles not again 
Just repels the lot 
Stays in control
Maybe even wins