Doesn't light shine out the brightest

When lost in the darkness?

Everything just seems so much clearer

When the contrast is starkest.

 

Oftentimes it's only in outcry and suffering

That one finds real hope,

And only when tested

Can one learn to cope.

 

If creation is truly majestic

Then what of the beauty in destruction?

Doesn't the mundane elevate the fantastic?

Would perfection be possible without the counter-weight of corruption?

 

Though of course, 'perfect' is a lie

Or at least a universal misconception

Because no matter the example, however hard we try

Imperfections become clear on close enough inspection

There is no exception.

 

But solace can be found in the knowledge that flaws exist

Because striving to achieve, even against  all the odds

Well, it gives me the strength to persist

Recognising my faults grants me an enemy to  resist

And sometimes I feel like I need this.

 

And beyond all this I think I see

Beauty best when it's broken

Though that's perhaps just a reflection upon me

And maybe right now my many flaws are best left unspoken.

 

I don't need sycophants or pity

When pain makes me feel alive

Truly it's in overcoming adversity

That grants me just a little,

Just a little will to suvive.

 

I'll admit I'm in the grip of frustration

But therein I've found the promise of elation

Because even the force that binds me

Heralds the power to release freely.

 

And I do long to be free

To turn my back on this place

To dream always and forever

In death's cold embrace.

 

So if I should die tomorrow

Don't be overcome with sorrow

Or blame God for stealing me away in my prime

Just another victim, of some victimless crime

Don't you see?

We're all just living on borrowed time.

 

In fact,

I pray, I pray

Maybe I'll get lucky

Maybe I'll die today.

 

And perhaps in my passing

I'll find my longed-for release

And in my sleep everlasting

I'll find my final peace.

 

Because if I die

I'll be conscious of nothing at all

And if instead I find myself at those pearly gates in the sky

Well, I guess I'll just be a wrong, but happy, fool.

 

Some may look down on me

And hiss at this humble nihilist

But they cannot see

The peace I've found in this simple philosophy.

 

I'm at peace with my life

Can you say the same?

You're so quick to judge me

Have  you no shame?

 

So give it up, give it up

Stop trying, stop trying.

You can't save this soul

With your religion's lying.

 

I'm sorry this all sounds so bleak

It's meant  to be inspiring

I know it's pretty weak

But I'm really trying.

 

If anything this is a celebration

Of imperfection, failure and shared-consternation

And of futility

It's in our heritage

It's our flaws that link you and me.

 

Can I hope to fail

And fail to hope

Without being a tragedy in your eyes?

I might have darkness in me

But at least I've learned to cope.

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