Shadows that tempt me
Cryptic messages with fear
A barren wasteland to see
Broken dreams held dear

Torn from a mother’s womb
Thrust into a chaotic place
Unprepared for pending doom
Like dying flowers in a vase

Boarded a sinking ship
Prayed it wouldn’t go down
Unable to get a grip
Head heavy with crown

A feral growl from the field
Stark reminder of the slain
Remember the ones killed
And spared their raw pain

Vicariously through a memory
Inept to make it on my own
Carried a shield for all to see
While living in a comfort zone.

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A poem by Jason S. Sullivan, 07-15-20