You Took That Away

I never stayed away from madness,
even though I was afraid.
It seems to have claimed all my heroes
and led some to an early grave.
I never tried to use my power
except when I was all alone.
I only wanted something solid
that I could bring with me back home,

but you took that away.
I don't know why I try anymore.
I don't know what these nightmares are for.
This life is killing me. Can't you see what I see?
I'm struck down on my knees, searching to find a key.
But you know you took that away.

I always prayed for my redemption.
I always felt a secret guilt.
But you make a pretty lousy soldier
if you'll never walk where blood's been spilt.
I always thought a kindly power
would lead me to the other side.
Now I just pray the walls are solid
and hope I've got a place to hide.

but you took that away.
I don't know why I try anymore.
I don't know what these nightmares are for.
This life is killing me. Can't you see what I see?
I'm struck down on my knees, searching to find a key.
But you know you took that away.

Alone in prison darkness
and wondering if I might be dead.
All fall down shivering naked,
then light descends swirling round my head.
I'm lifted up to a higher ground
and I find that I'm never alone.
Suddenly it all comes crashing.
It's just a dream, you're just too stone.

I sometimes see a flash of something.
It pricks the corners of my eyes
but it disappears before I reach it
like water from a desert sky.
I sometimes feel the surge of power
connected from below and above.
It seems to be becoming solid.
I try to reach it with my love

but you took that away.
I don't know why I try anymore.
I don't know what these nightmares are for.
This life is killing me.
Can't you see what I see?
I'm struck down on my knees
searching to find a key.
But you know
you took that away.


copyright by Colin Halyk, 2000

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