just as the red sun
glows on the horizon
just as the moon’s light
glitters upon the ocean
you open your eyes
and i am in awe

when you gave yourself
to a nameless stranger
my heart was ripped apart
by my bloodied hands
while i descended
into poisonous perdition

the distance between us
larger than oceans of time
yet she peacefully slept
beside me

everything you need
is inside you
you are a miracle
do not let this world
make you forget
who you are

this armor i wear
strong and solid
heavy and rusted
shielded me from
arrows of suffering
but i grow tired
carrying this weight
to continue on
the path of life
i must shed
my battle-worn armor
and be free once more

if you don’t play
by their rules
you can’t lose
at their game

embark on activities
that build character
rather than prestige
for character will triumph
over any adversity