The despair washes over
my bleeding heart, yet
this is nothing like the last time -
for this is a prison from which
I should escape.

I have forged these steel bars which
encase my bleeding soul.
They are stainless steel, so
the water in my
still-burning blood
will not corrode and
weaken them.

Escape should be my
answer, but...
but part of my
very self wants
to remain,
knowing there
could
be change.

Even so, I cannot force
the transformation I
so desire.
It is out of my control.
I must
will myself
to destroy this prison...

before it shatters
me.