I see

Your

Smile

In the dark

It spreads

As I run

To overcome you

Now the black dog

Has come to collect

Panic in my chest

The pain in my bones

Disease in my blood

And the fear in the air

I feel it panting and growling

Wet, ever-present, gnawing at my heart

My soul, and who I am

And who I am trying to be

A better man is not fueled by things like vengeance and revenge

The old ways stay buried deep within, in the grave

I want to feel the spray of blood

I do not want your camaraderie, companionship

Associations, advice, or words

I do not want your empty promises or stories of your greatness

I do not desire acceptance

I want the laments and wails of the clowns that follow your every move

I choose to remain alienated and free

You cannot take what I do not have

I choose to walk away from the gnashing, wanton mouths

Who will bite anything to feed

The clown at the other end pulling the strings of a rusted king's crown