The best friend I ever had.
A loyal comrade, it was us against the world.
Our dreams existed intertwined as we ran towards the future.
Suddenly, it all ended.

The news brought me to tears.
Every memory we shared flashed before my eyes.
Frolicking as children, youthful mischief, drunken laughter, and secrets confided.
I see it all again through glassy eyes.

My body shook uncontrollably as tears flowed down my face.
I see him floating when I lie awake at night; I hear his voice when I’m all alone.
To my dismay, these are merely wishful illusions.
It feels as though I am being taunted by my own mind.

The final goodbye cripples me.
It is indeed his body but it doesn’t feel nearly the same.
I stare at my tears as they fall to his casket.
My best friend, my one true confidant, an undeserving soul stolen by the Reaper.

I’m running as fast as my legs can carry me.
My breath is growing shorter.
This chase leads indefinitely to my demise.
From the reaper, I run.

It is imperative I elude you, at least for now.
For I have dreams to fulfill.
Adventures yet to be had.
Bonds that cannot yet be broken.

I can’t let him catch me just yet.
I must play this game a little longer.
I must cheat death.
To this day, I’m still running from the reaper.

Placed at the top for what is supposed to be our best interest.
Once there they seem to lose interest in our interests.
A cycle that repeats infinitely.
Given power by the people but working for themselves.

Painting their faces with smiles to impress.
Each telling lies to be perceived as the best.
Defamation of those who oppose them is second nature.
This is the façade we call campaign.

When one finally wins the corruption begins.
Forgotten are their promises when their pockets are lined.
The people who gave them their power now mean nothing to them.
Only for their own wealth are they concerned.

These are the people who lead us.
Conmen clad in suits in ties.
Never shall I trust their disguise.

I do.
It was supposed to be an unbreakable bond.
To my dismay, it became nothing but a binding chain.

At first it was the most beautiful thing in the world.
She was the moth.
I was the flame.
Then I said, “I do” and everything changed.

I once picked roses for her.
Now it seems her heart has begun to wither.
She pledged to be forever by my side.
Now it seems I am but a thorn in hers.

Having lost my true love, I’ve no reason left to live.
So, I used this rope to free me from the chain.
Feel free, I do.

For her I’d give anything.
To the end of the Earth I’d pursue her.
With her I’d trust my life.
For her I’d give my life.

But what if she loves another?
A mere shell of a man I’d become.
My heart would shatter should hers not be mine.

Within me she summons two beings.
The first is the beautiful yet dangerous Love.
The second is a child born from Love.
The second is Envy.

Love is like a blooming rose.
Or at least that’s what they tell me.
I once held that rose.
I swore I would nurture it forever.

Sadly, it was blown away.
Its petals now watered by another.
To the bar I go, in an attempt to drown my sorrow in liquor.
Shot after shot, reality fades away.
A drunken fantasy takes its place.

I thought I’d found a rose like the one I once cherished.
When I sobered, I realized it was but a drunken bloom.

You, you’re just a piece of paper in my pocket.
That’s all right?
No, you’re much more than that.
I love you.

I love you because you put clothes on my back.
I love you because you give me a shelter from the elements.
I love you because you put food on my family’s table.
Despite all you do for me, I still hate you.

I hate you because of the bloodshed you’ve caused.
I hate you because of the souls you’ve corrupted.
I hate you because people will do anything for you.
I hate you because I can’t live without you.

So, you aren’t just a piece of paper in my pocket.
You’re a life-saving blessing yet an unstoppable destructive curse.
Whoever would’ve imagined paper cuts so deep?