I stare into the fire.

I watch its fitful, flickering feast.

And I wonder, solemnly,

If I will ever be at peace.

The night about me closes in,

It's darkness a soothing shroud.

And I sense the beasts

I feel the beasts

As beyond the flames they prowl.

But it's the beasts within I fear.

Not the beasts without, drawing near.

The dread monsters that gnaw

Far in the depths of me,

That cause me to shake,

That cause me to flee.

That wrench and tear

And cut and...

And the anger and sorrow

Boundless and cold

Seep and slide

And tighten their hold.

The beasts without draw closer.

They can sense,

They can feel,

They know that soon,

Soon...

I stare into the fire.

I give myself to the flame.

And I wonder

Shall I ever know peace again?