Straddler
Prison walls are meant to close
Around the helpless souls of those
Who are condemned there to reside
And wait the turning of the tide.
But what of those who gladly came
And sitting down, cursed the name
Who willed their freedom? What of they
Who will not hear what he has to say?
Prison walls and darkness are
The road to carry a soul far
Into itself, away from peace,
And into rooms where life does cease.
If I am one of those rotting souls
Left to die in stinking holes
Why do you come here and post my bail?
Why set me free from my dear jail
If I am willingly in chains,
Content to let the scars remain?
Away from me! Why do you choose
To love me when I'll just refuse?
Give up on me; I am too lost
To look with joy upon your cross.
I'm asking you, give it a break,
Leave me be, for mercy's sake!
Why do you want a wretch like me?
Why do you refuse to see
How I am nothing? Even you
Cannot deny what I've put you through.
Stop sending peace into my heart!
Stop tearing stubborn pride apart,
Stop pouring peace upon my spirit,
Stop speaking love- I will not hear it.
You reach for me, I won't reach back,
I reek of depravity, I lack
The purity yourself requires.
I reach down where you pull higher.
I'm not your child. Don't waste your breath-
All I deserve is lonely death.
For I'm a sinner, tried and damned.
Extend no more your loving hand.
postscript
Part two of three. In this one, the prisoner wavers just a bit...