Trapped by distortions in my pit, alone

No gauge to proportions, I drop like a stone

A hush, stealth of silence is prying about

Assault of said predator, unyielding, is doubt

Peering from behind

The door of this cell

Deeper and darker

Than all I can tell

By darkness is cloaked

Mauling with pain

And roaring of sins

Exposed once again

Eye to a pinpoint

Desperate for light

With a thrust is a clashing

Failed thrashing to fight

Flashes of vanity fan out my dark blind

Ashes of insanity blow through my mind

The keeper of sobriety is nearly gone

I quiver near battles’ front

As confidence turns to run

Dissension’s onslaught between right and wrong

Is shouting my thoughts to a cold-faced throng

Perceptions of jeering to fearing words vexed

Prospect without cheering: death follows next

To cope for this sinner is kneeling to pray

Hope all the thinner is shearing away

The sides of my pit are steeped in my crimes

The tides rise of doubt, drowning my time

Defiance from worry and fretting despair

Have struck me with fury, and quench feeble prayer

The prospect of solace laughs in my face

As younger and stronger disparage grace

At an opportune moment will be in my place

In frenzied exhaustion--I forfeit this race