Pretender

How long! he'll cry
Must I endure this lack
And entertain vain imaginations.
Viewing from afar
In bittersweet vicariousness.

Holding tight
Stubborn grasp
Life itself
In an iron clasp.
While true joys
Slip past.

Forget yourself
Forget your past
Die today
And live at last.
Never! for preservations' sake
Our pride must remain intact.

We joy in continuity
And revel in gain
Don't bother
Just ignore the pain
Our image and dignity
Are worth more than your tears.
Our brave exteriors
Cannot comprehend your fears.

Oh, eroded soul
There is no hope in your plan.
Your castle is broken
Your sentries stand dead.
Stiff and wide-eyed
Their wan faces speak
We guarded a Pretender
Who died
Naked in his sleep