All the years of life fastened
neatly under belted loops,
wisdom knocking on hollow doors,
signs flash no vacancy.
Childish fear comes from
everywhere with blank stare...
eye to eye.
Open toy boxes pop in her face,
frightening the timid child
held captive by it's strength,
leaving her paralyzed.
Age old weakness gives fresh breath
of life to the obedience of fear,
shrouded behind the physical body
of her adult.
Hungry for the peripheral glance
of terror as it glazes over her eyes.
Bound to her - her to it,
a lifetime of adult child barriers
blocking wisdom from it's flow.
Grotesque the decision to endure
for the lifetime still before her,
or cut the limbs baring shackles,
hard steel binding them together.
Render her a cripple...
crippled she is either way.
Her fear laughs in celebration,
victorious over another day taken.
Her life consumed,
pride and honor beaten from her,
stripped to cowards flesh,
left naked in the darkness.
Huddled within herself she rocks
wrapping her arms tightly around
the child inside...
And together they weep.
Adding your comment:
... I like the way that this developes a narrative as it goes along - and the last line is stunning ... I really like the way that it sums up the poem and adds an air of finality 
- very nicely done!
