Reborn
By Kenneth R. Cabrieto
          My mind currently carries the dark semblance of a battlefield.
          The strongest armors I could find, my last bits of inhibitions,
          Have been discarded - not because of the cracks and tears -
          But because I, in an unfortunate moments of weakness,
          Willfully shed them. I allowed myself to be beaten this day.
          The back door was left wide open
          And the proverbial trojan horse was carefully wheeled in.
          Foolishly, I welcomed a gift I knew I should not have accepted.
          Nightfall came and the darkness was quick to overcome me.
          There was no struggle, for I barely fought back.
          Control from the outside was placed in favor as opposition to the guidelines
          I failed to create for myself.
          When choosing to live outside the rules
          I had stabbed myself in the back.
          The great walls I set up had kept me safe from everyone but myself.
          Shocked and in horror I studied the charred remains of my psyche.
          I had lost everything I stood for.
          My beliefs had abandoned me, for I had abandoned all hope.
          Though the landscape carried a macabre aura about it I smiled.
          True, this was indeed a sad moment
          But in the end memories are just memories
          And I will now rise from these ashes to silence those who don't believe in me -
          My former self included.
          My greatest enemies have been pointed out.
          I took detailed notes of all my flaws and weaknesses.
          I have been reborn and I will do everything in my power
          To prevent this tragic moment from happeneing again.

          -April 28th, 2004