Of once an air of innocence did in me reside

Of once an air of innocence did in me reside
Yet now the fog so thick hath enshrouded
And oft my mind so clouded
Canst scarce recall a time at all

Too long have I been caught
In the cords of this deception
My own perception so is skewed
That oft I fear I am pursued

My fears so oft arise
I dare not lift my head
To gaze perchance
The haze might lift

So long the cords hath entangled
I oft desired they would have strangled
The life that scarce remains in me
A hell from which I cannot flee

Does mercy yet remain for those as me
Can love yet be found for one to free
Oh to cool my brow with but a drop of grace

Oh but to trace the path back to such a time
When I new not a crime
How to find a joy so real

But ah to taste
Ah to feel
The thrill of life anew
To dance in the dew of that dream

Hope may it yet rise again
To open deep these gaping wounds
And fill with all its warmth
Though pain at first must endure

The path to life is sure
The way grows stronger yet
When at last thy help hath come

-Joshua Lee Foist