Deceiver

Let them shackle me in memories,
Let them tear my heart.
Let them stand in single file,
And let the bloodbath start.

Let me stand before them all,
Naked, cold, unwanted.
Let them reimburse their hearts defenses,
And all the love I flaunted.

And when all is done let me stand alone,
Scarred form to show,
That to trust in me is folly,
Let all that bear witness know.

Deceiver am I and unworthy,
To paradise long since lost.
To enter one must forgive himself,
Too high I think a cost.

So let me stand here shackled,
Out in the tenement square.
And when the children come to see,
I'll tell them just to care.

Care for those who in you place their trust,
Take care with the hearts dear love.
Care not to betray their gift,
And in uncaring kill the dove.

With lips parched dry from thirst,
For something I cannot slake.
I wander now this earth,
Nightly 'tending mine own wake.