Shame

Its a secret
unlike guilt
or embarrassment
is lives on its own
inside
it controls
and can conquer
the heart
and the soul
for years
probably
somebody gave it to you
sometime
when you were too little to
know
the hand-off was taking place
a country might be filled
with millions
of shamed women
who constantly
for years
seek retribution outside
never fully
finding it
inside