I cultivated something under the snow
Sewed it deep to watch it grow
I felt the roots take and the warmth on my face
Resonating from the hearts I had froze

I shuddered against the intense heat
Battling my soul within a heartbeat
The seconds pass but the moments last
As the past slowly puts me to sleep

And of what should I dream but the bloodless seeds
And their chilled heartbeat from underneath
The silence sweeps as I wake and weep
And reflect, I respect that I cut too deep
And your demons escaped
But in my defense, recompense was achieved,
You did bleed, but never believed in Band-Aid
And every hand laid against you was desired
You're hardwired for self-defeat

I crush myself amidst my own callous hate
Bringing to light a dreadful new fate
With scars that burn and the images they create
Collapsing, falling under the massive weight
And suddenly you surround me
Making it difficult to breathe
But all the lies you never did believe
A layer of doubt hidden beneath
Typically speaking, you never say what you mean

You're a breath of fresh air in a world of smokestack trees.

Old man of 17

How many years have you lived the dream
Have you yet found that there's no escape
Living this out till your final day

Old man of 21

Set to retire with all you have done
All that is left is the spinning of wheels
Days by the pool, drowning your deals

Old man of 45

When did you pass the prime of your life
Too little too late finding it out
Not knowing then though knowing it now

Old man of 64

You know in your heart, there's something more
You've left it behind but still have the need

Old man of 17