Thought I'd join the crowd.

His face was scarred and hands were caloused
Though voice was smooth and soul serene
His grin a rare reception for
A humor he not often gleaned

For though his eyes were warm and soft
His heart at times seemed almost lost
As though rememb'ring other days
Once trodden paths and traveled ways

He said one time unto mine ears
Though slow to start and weak at first
But ending strong, he message was
To be alone is but to thirst

To ride into a field of pain
Defying fate for better gain
To be the first to ride back out
And stay there nursing fear and doubt

And waiting for another friend
Though knowing that a future cursed
Would wait, and fear, and doubt, and know
To be alone is but to thirst

---

Scratch into the wall you've built
Breaking nails like so many promises
So many lies
Breaking down the tower of falsehoods
You've stacked so high
Covering the door into the truth
The door into your heart

The fortress now swept away
Leaving behind your unmarked grave
Plunge your gavel down through earth
Digging down through worms and wood
Doubts you never thought you could dispel
Fears you thought would linger on
Linger through confession

Pry now the lid from unearthed coffin
Reveal the truth you've hid so deep
Prove yourself for your own sake
Peel off the mask so you can see

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"I'd rather be hated for who I am rather than loved for who I pretend to be." -Janis Joplin

[This message has been edited by Vincent Valentine (edited May 15, 2004).]

It's a shame no one has commented on this.

I think it's a great poem, wonderful imagery, and creative rhyme scheme. I'm having problems focusing on its underlying meaning though - would you mind explaining, Vincent?

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~ Vader's Corner ~