One month to this very day.

But as I gaze into the mirror

I’ve not changed in any way.

My face is gouged with scars and sweat;

My palms are cold as slate.

But if a stranger looked at me,

He would not guess my fate.

My legs are shaking, thin and weak;

My eyes are pained and dark.

And my voice, when I try to speak

Is raspy, hoarse, and harsh.

My hair is long and limp and lank.

My hands begin to shake.

Onto the ground I slowly sank,

As the moon rears like a snake.

The walls close in around me,

In my emptly, barren cell;

But I chose to place myself, alone

In this empty, barren hell.

I shall not risk the safety

Of the loved ones I hold dear.

So I chose to suffer

Twas a choice to me, so clear.

I may not look or sound the same,

I seem matured and grown.

Have faith, and look beyond my pain--

I’m still the one you’ve known.