A Hardened Soul

in the fray i am lost and wounded

shivers down my spine

failed in flight, i am grounded

lost in smoke and blood-like wine

with time i have learned to hide

from all who seek my wails and cries

to this cruel reality i must abide

and break all treasured ties

to be alone and forgotten is my plight

my soul vexed and torn apart

yet the fire in me remains to fight

for no pain or sorrow can break my heart

strive, i must to prove my worth

lick my wounds with my head held high

the world was not wrong to give me birth

i must serve a purpose before i die