You're right - there is a darkening pall -
To which I have been - in weakness - betrothed -
Only few have returned from fires from whence I burned -
Seared with lance - a torture only craven soul learned -

It's true - the path is treacherous -
But in spite of hell bear aloft thy flame -
He tells the truth because it paid -
To not put ones soul up for trade -

And after empty chants of death -
There be a song that swells -
Elusive by hearts too cynical to hear -
Freedom swell - with decibels -