. Condemned .

-#-

You were there when the image shattered

You watched the shards rain down like ice

Carving my soul into ribbons of blood

Blazing from my tortured eyes

And pooling beneath my skin.

You saw my crippled smile stumble and collapse

You watched it drown in a styrofoam cup of ruby wine

You turned away from the black falling tresses

As the frayed ribbon slipped down to strangle me

And you heard the sudden harshness of my breath

In the silence of that attic room;

You watched as I struggled just to find the will to die.

You sat on the piano bench and began to play;

Each note was a brand against my skin

A rusted iron poker in my heart

And the melody sang like the darkest angel.

You watched me as I fell to the floor

Lying among the glistening glass

The crumpled notes of amateur wisdom

And the wisps of midnight moonlight.

You watched as silver drops froze on my lashes

Falling to break all around me;

You listened as my soul gave in

And I searched blindly for a savior;

You smiled as I died alone

And my words blew away

On the wind.

-#-