In this life or the next,
nothing is promised
In those moral lapses,
we must seize expiation
In our web of bleak moments,
we learn that diamonds are not forever
In one hand, I held my doubts
In the other, my regrets
and I declared the daunting vow
that I would break them just the same

Alas, here ends thy monotone passion
and as fiery tongues lash, so you ignite
trembling hands, eyes of crimson fashion
whipping across the land with monstrous might

Let them all clutch silence, gather around
marry their nightmares with its horrid call
for it gleefully saunters, the howling sound
and pounces perfervidly upon their thrall

Pain is as air, light and fleeting
a placid kiss to the farmer's yield
much unlike that whirlwind in one's bones-
that immutable suffering of journeys sealed

Down but never out
that is the promise
my oath to oblige

Torment courses deeply
into my grey matter
at the very spark of defeat

Today I may buckle
Tonight I might hesitate
but know it as truth
when I swear I will not break

With ragged wings
of splintered bone
Wispy voice
of straining storms
Comes time and tide
of pure morose

Heavy flakes collide
upon a face, stiff and sly
leather boots shriek against salt
souls sliding on ice

Steaming breath billows
clotting from that which speaks no evil
dreamland swirling free
steering clear of flesh and meat

Even a thousand planted kisses
would have a modicum of meaning
save for hearts worn on sleeves
and frozen memories

Tiny, shiny cannonballs from above
pelt the forlorn few
while one shifting through slush
hopes their aim is mighty true

No stranger to the game
Little aversion to familiar pains
Willpower as eternal as the sun
Coruscating until all is said and done

Saving the wickedness for weekends
But not exactly clawing to cash in
Trudging on with quick quips and granite eyes
Snarling spiteful like storming skies
Hiking for the perfect hill to die upon

Brittle lies the man left in the frost

so he shatters his knuckles to spite himself

and the winter suns could not care less