Harmless Weapons

Don’t pity my strained eyes.
I’ve long favoured the shade.
It is you who lacks the ability to see your follies.
Instead you shoot me with bullets and pretend they’re blanks.
Now there are too many wounds to hide.

You’ve traded loyalty for a temporary laugh,
For an audience that never wants more than that.
I hope that you never see the aftermath of your actions.
I hope you never feel the gravity that you try so hard to defy,
While floating in your perfect little capsule.
I will remain here on the ground,
Regretting the acts I was right to condemn,
And sacrificing peace of mind for integrity.

Admittedly it will rain harder,
The unforgiving winds will send me astray,
The storms will tear the sky and deafen my ears,
But at least my core will be unshaken.
At least I would rather bleed out than graze others.
At least I will still be a vessel for altruism.
At least I will still be real.