I sit like a Queen on her throne

in this mess of my own making and I see

the deceptive, soul-stealing path

I chose along the way.

I look around and accept my part

in the drama, the grief and the

blinding, mind-numbing acceleration

of a decaying soul

and I have no choice but to see the sorrow

in this victory of a pretend life.

But I am not finished,

I will not fall on my sword in shame,

I will not let my circumstances bury me.

I will rise lift my sword with both hands,

and fight my way free.