how it holds some in its arms
and so seduces with its charms
tells them that they're what they're not
makes them feel they must be fought
if you hold it, you choose your path
and its rewards:hate, fear and wrath
you trade your future for power past
anD give up shAme that woULd not last
you take a NAME that Is NOT your own
find deep inside your sTrENgth has GRown
beGINs tHEN PaiN TO Take a toLL
BeCAUSe OF RAgE FED TO YOUR SOUL
THEN YOUR CHOICE TO STRIVE AND HATE
LEADS YOU THROUGH A COLD BLACK GATE
THEN ALL MIRTH BECOMES DESPAIR
YOU SEAL YOUR HEART FROM ALL THAT CARE
SHUT YOUR EARS TO WHAT WORDS MEAN
ONLY OPEN TO THINGS THAT SCREAM
EYES CLOSED TO BEAUTY, NOT THE SAME
FOR ALL YOU SEE IS PICTURED PAIN
DISCOVER SOON YOU ARE NOT THAT STRONG
THE DAYS ARE SHORT, THE NIGHTS ARE LONG
YOU WONDER NOW WHERE IS THAT FRIEND
THE ONE THAT GUARDED TILL THE END
NOW YOU QUESTION WHAT TO DO
AND IF ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND YOU
YOUR PAIN BLEEDS TEARS UPON YOUR BED
CONFUSION AND DOUBT REIGN IN YOUR HEAD
WAS WHAT YOU GAVE WORTH WHAT YOU GOT
WAS THIS THE END TO WHICH YOU SOUGHT
THIS LIFE YOU LIVE, DECIDE TO LEAVE
SO DOTH BOTH BODY AND SOUL CLEAVE
so it wins, another child dies
it laughs at them because they cry
I choose you not, darkness foul
and even now at me you growl
wisdom and peace rest on my face
because I refused your dark embrace

-Nicholas Weaver-