It's fear that holds us prisoner
each night and every day
it's fear that roots us to the spot
or makes us run away
it's fear that binds our tongue
when words we want to say
it's fear that clouds our minds
that keeps mankind at bay.

There's nothing to fear but fear itself
how I wish there was something else
to justify the hurt inside
to explain the pain that abides
the very thoughts that repeat and grind
constantly upon my mind
like clouds of acid rain
that slowly drive a man insane
oh death your bitter taste i feign.

We've been circling each other for months
two kindred spirits caught in a death stance
I see your vulnerabilities lined up like dominoes
but don't worry I'm here to slay your foes.
A worm is buried in your system
so deep in your head it affects your wisdom.
I will stand by your side always to protect you
I will never leave, hurt or reject you
I may not be the strongest, fastest or smartest
but for you I will work the longest and hardest
until all our demons are dead and gone
as we stand here all alone
on a desert plain, no sun, moon or rain
just two kindred spirits.

Just another fool
trying to act cool
another street punk
out to steal your junk
he flashes his blade
your fate has been made
plunges in the knife
and there goes your life
another widowed wife.

Hands soaked in blood
just misunderstood
no time to plead insanity
hoping for some humanity.

..and what does he get?
A life for a life?
A knife for a knife?
No!, thirty to life
but still out in five
on the streets to rule
back being the fool
to claim another life.

What have we become?
the same thing that we despised
what happened to when we were young?
how can I now look you in the eyes?

What was right is now wrong
and what was white is now black
yet we still march on
because what we lost we can't get back.

For we exist within the grey area
lost somewhere in between
we've hit the invisible barrier
the place that's never seen.

I now embrace my imperfections
no longer chase the wind
no comfort or protection
for I know that I am sin.

If yesterday was once more
I would not be broke or so poor
but its through life's lessons that I've learned
money spent can always be earned
yet time that passes cannot be returned.

I existed within shadows
that lined my temple halls
surrounded by meadows
divided by walls
in darkness was I
for though there were windows
I could not see the sky
as only my sin glowed
that lit my path
yet I kept my sanity
for I could laugh.

How can you measure morality?
without a ruler
for god commands gravity
and we are fools heirs
lost with our pride
at judgements table
there's no place to hide
no seat for the wicked
no rest for the able.

On his head was a thicket
a crown which was noble
our sins have been washed
our depravity showered
our pride now quashed
and yet empowered
as he does rise
and live again
with clarity's eyes
this poem I pen.

Lost again in my head
need something to take off the edge
since I stopped taking my meds
a different distraction
a new way to get satisfaction
smile at me again
pretend you're more than just a friend
be my muse
so another path I can choose
one where I wasn't set to lose.

Be my guide dog
through my minds fog
my blind slog
up a perilous path
an endless graft
with no sight of summit
but if I don't fight I plummet
into a bottomless pit
so dimly lit
I can barely see
or hardly breathe
for I have paid the cost
now I'm completely lost.