The Voice Poem by Robert Smith

be afraid
be quite afraid
a voice from deep inside me said
paralyzed though you may feel
you shan't be hurt you can't be dead

just stay here
embrace the fear
some lessons need you not to learn
self-preserved your pride may heal
your heart shall beat that's my concern

trust in me
yes just in me
your saving grace your last defense
you'll never taste life's sting, defeat
nor face the losers consequence

nor ridicule
e'er such the fool
protect i will from unseen threats
your reputation's brittle shell
embarrassment looms worse than death

you'll grow old
so very old
when tales are tall your yarns are spun
adventures, heroisms, hopes and
dreams of things you wish you'd done

i am afraid
yes quite afraid
the song of fear now tempts my choice
though frozen sick and hollow, weak
i face my fear and kill the voice