Let me Lie Broken

Let me lie broken, and ravaged, and still,

Beyond both the help and the harm in my life,

And if I am not well, I am also not ill,

And though my sleep brings no comfort, it banishes strife.

Let my blood cool and my colors all fade,

And let ash close my eyes on their embers of fire;

Let me lie in a fear that I could not evade;

Let any warmth in me come from the flames of the pyre.

Let me lie empty, a shell in my sorrow,

And let me lie useless, and helpless, and vile,

For no more shall I search for a shield I can borrow - 

For the invaders shall find nothing left to defile.

Or if you are one to refuse to despair,

Then love me and bring me the hope of repair.