Solitude Poem by Keli'i Rice

Hopeful and determined
Wide awake and yearning for
A brighter day, a better life
Something that's worth fighting for

How can anyone ever notice
Someone who can't see himself
While he's standing in his shaking shadow
Hiding from the world?

Hopeful and determined
So what is it I'm waiting for?
Is it a push or a shove?
Something to get me started

One foot tripping over the other
Fall down seven get up eight
Keeping balance, keeping distance
Away from all that is uncertain

My shadow comes and holds my hand
'I'll never leave you, I'll never betray'
It keeps me company and ensures me
'Its better off this way'

I'll never leave these shadows
They care for me too much to let me
Adventure lands I've never seen
On the path of uncertainty

Behind this door, here I'll stay
Hopeful and resolute
The shadows comes and hold my hand
'It's better of this way'

'No one can hurt you, or lie,
We care too much for you to let you
Wander off and die
Outside these walls it's all uncertain'

I understand, I understand
I'll fall down seven, get up six
One foot tripping over the other
One foot tripping over myself

Yet I'm hopeful and yearning for
A brighter day, a better life
I'm wide awake and wanting
Something that's worth dying for

But I'm too afraid to venture out
These walls I've known, my shadow tells me:
'There's nothing for you there
Please stay here by my side'

I understand, I understand
I'll fall down seven get up six
I understand, I understand
This is all there is for me

My shadow held my by his side
'Don't fret child, don't you cry
I'll make this better, you'll be well
And never have to be alone'

'I'll keep you here and safe with me
Away from pain and misery
That tied you down and you'll forget.
You'll never have to be alone.'