Human howls at night
Painted rocks scattered
Lying just beneath sight
You remain prepared to shatter

I try
to live the lie
That world said was okay.
I can’t help but sigh
when my mind relays
the non-existent graduation
that was supposed to be mine.

Wandering through
blinding darkness
a voice crackles
under the strong steel treads
of your boot.

Sparks of compassion
and courage ignite
off the quickening flame.

Fear becomes reality
Laughs turn to sorrow.

The world turns grey.

Yet every gallon of grey paint
has a drop of silver lining.