Words flow so readily
  they tear through intent
    boulders laugh at spider's silk
gravity pulls explanation
  futility is the oiled slope
  clouds are handholds
    blink away in thought's wind
  sleep opens a window
    waking bolts the door
    actions raise welts
      inaction coagulates fury's stream
      eyelids wipe the slate clean
    where all that is wrong dares write
  retracted expectations lash
    fangs of failing
  each step resounds
    in darkened hallways
    with no guidposts
  illusions, every opportunity
  mocking masks cackle
  peripheral sight dances ghosts
  hope is a frayed ribbon
  leading blindly awry
  baited on chance's tainted breath
    scarlet crusades burn into portraits
  darting eyes turn to stone
  shame is the messenger:
  pride fallen in battle
  victory for the massed hordes
  give in to master's will
  bend in the slightest breezes
  open inquiries beckon tears
  come hither,
  come deliver
    nourishment upon these
      parched lives:
        dreams lie burning
      the sun is a jester
        performances forevermore!
      give not life to the fiends!
      for there stand I:
      betrayer of betrayal
        thief of breaths!
      where in this molten breast
        shall be found compassion?
      the long-trodden paths
      end in shaded mirrors
      every step built of tombstone
      here lies dignity!
      here lies pride!
      here lies solitude!
      here lies independence!
      here lies you!
      moonlight shies from the canopy
      chandeliers tremble in terror
      craftsmen scurry to complete
      driven by ninetails
        hammers drive struggle's nails
      shattered thoughts mix the plasters
      featherless wings in a downward spiral
      reinforce the doubts!
      anchor the suspicions!
      seal the regrets!
      beyond amber horizons
        hematite slivers of sky's shadow
      spears of lightning: painful memory
        embedded in an individuality abandoned
      headlines lost in redundancy
      wordless articles spill across pages
      testimonials to accomplishments
      soured expectations
        insulate corridors of doubt
      the faded doorway of opportunity
        crumbles under a thousand attempts
      here stand I
framed in misdirection
      you are all one to me
      a single voice locked into infinity