Terror grips a young man’s mind.

A smile; a mask he hides behind.

Darkness spreads out like roots,

Joy is stamped out by another’s boots.

Marked as a “bad kid”,

A kettle; about to pop it’s lid.

Emotions blend into a mess.

Anger = happiness.

I fill the void with whatever I can.

Danger and drugs; Trying to be “The Man”.

Sitting, staring, holding this knife,

I truly wanted to end my life.

You lead me out of this dark place

With patience and love; my “Amazing Grace”,

Once a lost, blind, wretch, you lighted the way.

You help me through the day to day.

I honestly, owe you my life.

My heart. My soul — my wife.