Visions of grandeur, paralyzed by promises made throughout the years.
Were they only make believe, distractions to block out everything?

Trials have passed, and wounds remain.
The bravery of youth traded for agony and pain.

Dread in full measure. I have had my fair share.
Grant me innocence instead.

In the constant shifting of shape, I have misplaced myself.
The mask changed so often, molded to please present company.

What must be done to be saved?
What can be said to correct the mind, to alter its sway?

Drag me to the river. I will fight you the entire way.
Something deep within is baring its teeth. Why am I like this?
A pestilence of the soul, corruption at the very core.

Unable to be satiated, the void continues to gnaw from within.
Wicked thoughts consuming all courage,
taking on the mantle of the emotionally crippled.

A heart that replaced blood for bitterness,
resenting what was and struggling to see past what could have been.

Iudicium super reum cadit, parce ei, o Deus. Caro et os est.

What would you accomplish with a man such as this?