Courage

The truth kills

Innocence is poisoned

A child kidnapped  by horror, tortured by pain

The mind plays tricks on itself

The stick protruding from your mouth

Burns itself into my very being

Exhaling the smoke

You emerge before me as an ancient dragon

Whose eyes, sharper than the blades hidden in your room,

Pierce my sanity

Branded by fear

A once gray pillow

Turns into an almost black towel

Catching all of my pain and sadness

Words are shot into my mind

Leaving hidden scars

Yet hope remains

Hope keeps me walking

Hope holds my spirit

Hope is what comforts me as twilight approaches

Whispering everything will be okay