Sean Skinner (The Affection and Abandonment Excerpt, pt. 1)

When the tide is crashing
And the sun recedes
The shadow comes slashing
For the blood that feeds
...

Piercing language and dejecting sights
Fearing anguish on dubious nights
Relieve my doubts and inhibitions
My terror bouts and premonitions
...

There is a man in a parallel tunnel to mine
He carries beside him a lantern with such great shine
The walls are clear to him, his surroundings brightly lit
He sees all the bumps, all the cracks, all the pits
...

Blackened and blue from the start
A three-clawed scar across my heart
So shot and crippled from abuse
I can not move, I have no use
...

In the darkness a silhouette reveals
My sanctuary breeds new company
The field of solitude grows in appeal
Days of seclusion are now done for me
...

In the summer heat
All by my lonesome
A romancer beat
But not quite loathsome
...

If I could write all the words I think
With a waterfall of flowing ink
All the thoughts of doubt and frustration
Of lost whereabouts and exploration
...

To ease the plight
Light and ignite
The thoughtful fuse
One not to lose
...

I stood unashamed by my relentless pursuit last year
'Til you whispered you never meant this into my ear
Don't say it's tired and senseless to shed a tear
When I've lost a chance at ardent bliss with my endeared
...

Buried deep in the ground, refusing to provide a service
Perfectly dormant, leaving all my appeal on the surface
That is what you will stumble upon, mistaking it for me
Failing to realize so many faults are to accompany
...

The blue haze that surrounds my climate is causing despair
I've seen even the utmost ardent lose their ambition
Which leads me to wonder how the homely suitor will fare
Regardless if he is on the most dignified mission
...