Through the Flames

I walked alone where shadows bled, Through corridors where demons tread, My soul a husk, my heart a stone, In burning pits, I fought alone.The fire's grip, it seared my skin, A punishment for nameless sin, Each step a scar, each breath a cry, I wished for death but could not die.No hand reached out, no voice to hear, In hell’s embrace, I shed my fear, For no one comes when flames are high, To save the lost, to hear their sigh.But I, with nothing left to lose, Found strength in wounds, in bitter bruise, I clawed my way from hell's cruel jaws, No savior's touch, no mercy's laws.Then, as the ashes left my sight, They came in droves, in heaven's light, With words of comfort, aid, and grace, But I was whole, with a hardened face.Where were they when the fire was deep? When I was lost, when I could not sleep? Now they arrive, with hands to lend, But I’ve no need, no wounds to mend.I faced the flames, I bore the pain, Their help is now a hollow gain, For I am forged in hell's own heat, No longer broken, no longer weak.They come too late, their kindness cold, For I emerged, both fierce and bold, Through hell I walked, alone, and free— Their love’s a ghost that means nothing to me.