Narrated by Val Cole

Editor & Visual Design by Steve Rizzo

Produced by Matthew Toffolo

POEM:

Today I awoke with a tightness in my chest
“I missed you my dear” was whispered in jest
Tears start to fall as I thought I had defeated
“Oh silly girl, I was only depleted”
Around my neck I can feel the claws
“Can you feel the comfort of the darkness it falls”
Too tired to fight, the scars not yet healed
“With a pick and a poke, this wound I will peel”
Frozen in fear, mind racing fast
“Did you really think the light would last”
I cringe from the smirk and heat of its breath
“Peace will only come when you give in to death”
The tools from battle are battered and bruised
“Your naivety does make me very amused”
Strength is drained trying to fight once again
“Just give in to me child, look where we have been”
“Here is the bottle to drown out your thoughts”
My stomach is ill and tied into knots
“And here, lets ruminate on your lack of decision”
I know what this is and in my heart is division
“I will embrace you always, stop fighting me so”
It is right and it kills me, this I know
Today I give up, today it has won
No need to worry any further as it is all done

To bed I must go as it’s my only escape
“Oh dear, you’re dreams I will haunt, remember the rape?”
Slight quiet in slumber, a taste of peace
“Another nightmare to ponder, it will not cease”
Alarm starts to blare, another day without drink
“Why are you trying, quit trying to think”
Distractions are needed; idle hands leave me weak
“Push away all you want; my havoc will wreak”
Its embrace so familiar, the darkness consuming
“Yes, my girl, let me in; stop fuming”
People around me cheer to keep fighting
“But you know in your soul, with me is more exciting”
Who do I choose, this question dividing
My head and my heart farther apart they are sliding
“I have been with you forever and always”
“Will they stick around when you’re stuck in my haze”
If they do or they don’t, it really doesn’t matter
“But in your heart, you do want this and that I will shatter”
“It is me you should choose; I am growing annoyed”
With you the darkness ends in only one way
How am I to know an option for another day
“Concede, stop fighting, this is where you belong”
“Proof without drink that you are not strong”
“My dear, in your heart you know I am not wrong”

Why does it always have to be all or nothing
Can we find a balance; some sort of peace offering
“I do not want to share you with the world my dear”
“You are mine forever, let me be clear”
Epiphany setting in, that you will never leave
“Laughing, my child there is only slight reprieve”
When your strength is greater than mine and I cannot fight your call
I must do the small things that will help me not fall
“You can pretend that these things will keep me at bay”
“But you know I am stronger at the end of the day”
Leaning on those that want me around
“With me you can finally wear the crown”
Remember the things that bring me joy
“This my dear is only a ploy”
Focusing on what makes your voice small
“You can try if you must, in the end you will answer my call”
Acknowledge this I may, today is not the day
“Why must you fight me so, this game we shall play”
Out of obligation I will live with you in my life
And even when you create so much strife
“I will always be here waiting for concession”
“I don’t understand why you don’t learn your lesson”
Together we shall live, a part of me you are
“A battle you want, your heart I will scar”