Prisoner

I carry the weight,
that tears my back
and cuts my heart,
I bear it on,
heft the boulder,
take the strain,
weigh the load
that's mine to shoulder.

I live my own way
and work so hard
to always
do the right thing,
I seek no help,
for though I claim
God-given frailty,
I did this myself.

No one can save me
or carry my cross
for there's only one bullet
and only one life,
it's anyone's game
but only my loss,
for I'd willingly die
before I'd do harm.

From rat-running dungeon
to fine-gilded palace,
the sweetest kiss
is the key,
a single breath and I live,
my love,
or my blood runs for you
on the cold guillotine.