Open door to the darkside.

Through the open door I walk, looking for my accolades.
I never once have an inkling, that my feet are made of clay.
Clay that crumbles as I stride into the arena.

There are no cries of hallelujah,and I stand in the dust of once proud steps.
I look around and see no smiling faces,only feeling the cool breath of acknowledgment.
"Yes,you are here." Our honors are reserved for a new hero."
"You are the past." Can you stand on the crumbs of what was?"

Bolstered by a few faint cries of encouragement, I make ready for the battle of my life.
If I am victorious,I may regain my former glory. I will accept the cheers of the crowd!
The audience blows cold to temper my sword of hot air.
Their lukewarm breath fans my cheek. "Show us some new moves!"
"Or are you all out?"

"Do you expect us to crown you with the laurels of victory,without having our entertainment?"
"We will have blood,sweat and tears!" You will perform,we care not which part you accept."
"Be it victor or victim. You will play our game,or suffer the death of indifference."

I choose another course,I will climb a different pedestal. I begin my ascent.
I follow a different path now. I will destroy them and their petty games.
I now have new feet of brass,and will stomp on the altars where I once worshipped!
My heart of compassion is stronger than the old one filled with Pride.
It will deflect the blows of slashing tongues and barbs of sarcasam.

My hands will not clench into fists,they will grasp the arrows of hurt.
They will break the bows from which they have come.
I tire of conflict,it wears away your stones.Thick skin wears too!
Let me rid myself of the weight of you!

I am tempted,sorely tempted, to give you one last big show,to pull down the pillars.
Crash the colosseum on your heads like 'Samson' .
No... as an old duelist,who grows weary of the constant challenges,
I will put down my sword and back away,returning to the world of sanity.
Through the door I entered.

My feet change once again,this time to wood.
I will find a lush place amid the dunes of desert.
There I will put down roots,and make it my private oasis.
You will not enter through my door,it is locked and the key lost.
No matter.......... I will not leave here again!