A Ring of Fire

I've walked a thousand miles; my feet bleed from jagged stones

Shades glide through the thicket and I laugh softly

What more have I to lose? What else is there to take from me?

What is it that you desire now?

You have my youth and the light from my eyes

You have the color from my skin

You have taken both my rest and inspiration

My sanity lies by the wayside

I challenge you, every last one of you

I am now a cornered animal; a gasping young rabbit at a river bank

This is what is left of my world

A shattered chalice, a knife in my back

A boquet of dead lilies, a mural of scars

What have I to fight you with? Come, I am an easy target

You may have a long path ahead of you

I wish you fireflies and sunrises worth awakening for

I wish for you a bower so holy it makes you whisper

I pray for a cool stream for you

And I dream of a soft patch of grass for you to lay your head

All the best in this world is tattooed on your back,

I can see it, but for now you cannot

And if on your path with your dear one,

You should happen to see a small grave

With a thornbush growing up the headstone and cracked earth at its foot

If a raven cries as you behold it

If you see that it is surrounded by a ring of fire

Say goodnight, but do not tarry there

Hurry on your way, hand-in-hand with the one you love

And now and again, should you have a fleeting thought of me

Smile and wish me peace.