Second Skin (spoken)

The sound of words I longed for said

So far pleasure undenied

Just the bloodless touch of skin

Close your eyes and turn



The storm, the fray persists

Columns form in endless rain

No loss of courage or the will

No dignity in staying



There is no love that can endure

Envelop or protect you

Forward go to open seas

The quest it is your master



No time for you to heal yourself

I wish there'd been another way

In time I hope you'll see me as

The one who held you above the waves



Your hope becomes your second skin

To envelop and protect you

The joys were never undeserved

The greatness hid no doubt



So much that you denied yourself

And so much that you never knew

Long realized, the only choice

The empty streets in rain