Shackles

A Poem by Aramey

Shackles that tear thin flesh,
and bruise the bones around my ankles,
it hurts... oh gawd, it hurts!
A constant pain that never relents.
Each time the flesh tries to heal,
it is more painful still,
blood above bruise, above scraped bone.
I just want to stand and... cry,
let the tears fall from my eyes,
to lessen the fire,
the same that I once cherished,
and danced, only alive, when within it's flames.
All I know now is withered,
as I realize I know nothing at all.
I just want it to stop...
the uncertainty of it all,
leading to one question,
can I ever trust myself again?
My heart writhes in life's given disdain,
but I can't speak...
my voice silent, knowing,
only I am to blame.
One day I know, I will walk these shackles,
until they rot and fall away,
but for now all that can be done,
is to learn with each painful heart ache.