... Ancient Proteus Takes.” (He Will Not Take the Day) 2/22/05

The subject matter that’s at hand is grave
And well could be the culmination now
Of all the time from when I swore the vow
That I would raze the things I’ve sought to save:

The cardboard castles that I’ve built through years
With moats so murky dark behind to hide
So deep one can’t traverse from either side
And black portcullis wrought from all my fears.

So light a torch and lift it to the air
A firebrand flaming ‘gainst the stormy sky
And swear this oath: “Although I well may die
There will be none who’ll say I didn’t dare

To grasp the lightning, lashed by fright’ning storm
And ride the tempest through, whatever form...