Rise

[J Hillenburg]

Rise



Driven to extremes, I am drawn to a dream

I believe to be illuminated and true.

I answered the calls of desperate cries and screams

when there was pitifully little I could do.

I believed that I could somehow rectify

grievous injuries and propose another way.

My many iniquities I have learned to justify,

brush aside with infinite wisdom, explain away.


I must make it clear somehow, it must cohere

as a statement unalterable and final in rhyme.

I met you when you were plagued with fear

so nameless and profound it scorched your mind.

I swear by these articles of light that I will rise

and fight for your heart in struggles to come.

Though I am broken by temptations I despise,

though it seems so much has come undone.