The Death and Resurrection of an Artist

Visions at night

In my mind

Of myself crucified,

My back falls against

A wooden slab

Iron nails through

My outstretched hands

My blood sanctifies

My own soul

Forgiveness

Advice ringing in my head

Squeezing like a vice

Defenseless to gravity

My body rips as they

Shove my post into the ground

Gravity tears me down

My flesh rips, pain grips

Redemption

I see through it

Because I need this

I need to die

But it is not my end

No, this is where I begin,

Rise again

Three days late

Like a crocus in early spring

Only after I've wrestled

My devils, fought a fierce fight

Draining my might

I rise like a phoenix from the ash

Reincarnate

Like a caterpillar metamorphasized

Emerge from my cocoon

I won't alter my truth for the sake your altar.