It starts out as a fairy tale
It all begins the same
The stretching path through Pride
And the lonely road of Shame--
Born in the womb of fire
But baptized by the rain.

I slipped my dreams into a bottle
And tossed it out to sea.
Turning my back for the long walk home
The sun blazed down on me.
A journey marked by confidence
On a path that slowly fades,
When the possibilities begin to vanish
Which dreams yet remain?
If you embrace your fire
Then be wary of the rain.

I've straddled the thin line in society
Between the devils and the gods--
I've watched them shelter humble selves
'Neath careful-laid facades.
How do we measure worth?
In degrees of Pride or Shame?
If they get lost in the fire
They can seek home in the rain.

The truth, to tell, it startled me
When I brushed away the lies.
I would outswim my bottle adrift
But the islands, they have eyes.
Divining answers from the embers,
In the clouds I see a sign,
And when I think I've found my way
I find that my strength isn't mine.

It is easy to fall distracted
By the soft uproarious din
But the fever overwhelms
When the storm comes rolling in.
Finally! Finally!
I think I'm home!
But the maelstrom leaves me drenched alone.
My knock it echoes, weak and dreary,
I stumble in, shivering weary
To friendship that warms me all the same.
That is my Pride, that is my Shame.

Safe in bed that night
Watching fiery stars above.
I reflect upon my fears
Whilst soaked with comfort-love.
Oh for Pride!
Oh for Shame!
Will I ever be the same?
What I must do I softly proclaim:
Make peace with the fire,
Make peace with the rain.

06/12/2009

Author's Note: This is my autobiography, thus far.

Posted on 06/12/2009
Copyright © 2026 Jason Hannigan