I have done no good, resolute I waited for so long
I have reached into myself, into the mire that hides my soul
And into the sorrow and the memories which held me strong
Fixed inside and grappling with my heart for the last bit of control
And there is a place, where fiends are entangled and they fight
Each one clinging to the heedless shades that dwell in there
On that night where we first had meaning they crept from the light
And on the last they twist my innards and never once do they spare
And once more the bleakness inside takes hold and grows
Binding themselves onto my loss and feeding alone in the dark
And pulling tight there tendrils crushing the longing so slow
Burning that snaps at last into grief and hatreds bright spark
I came at first with love but so quickly it began to turn on me
I arrived with the gentlest words, happiness was my only goal
The loss fed inside until it grew so much even that I could see
As it tried to break the spirit and violate my soul
But I try as I can to go on drawing from my adore and love
I force from out the darkness myself like a demon into sight
Like a fire from out the nighttime lit my face to those
Who warmed there hearts to me and sought comfort at night
But whoever comes to seek as such oft times burns their hand
The flame a volatile form in which torment and pain hide
The searing kiss of the gentle winds on my heart does brand
The auburn glow which exists slowly eating at my inside
But come to me for one last time as now these fires are low
I have been broken to earth like an angel from flight did fall
With myself a knowledge of the flame and web you throw
And the sorrow and hate hidden beneath my evering thrall
But come once more to me, for mine is yours alone
For you I offer my life and arms to you I give
My fervor not only, but love as I will atone
To you for my deeds, atone as long as I live
Paine's Poems
Poet's Corner