He stood
Before the darkness of his own mind
Arms folded
Jaw clenched
Wondering how it had gotten to this point

Once he was free-spirited
Joyful
Alive
But somehow
Over time
The darkness closed in

Fear ruled his life now
Anxiety had a stranglehold
Sadness from the loss
Like a weight on his chest

Taking a stand
Willing himself to survive
He keeps his focus
On the dim flickering light
Still alive in his heart

Somehow
Hope still lives within him
It fans the flame
And won’t let it go out
It will not bow down
Before darkness