Charles Gregory, Author

 

Surviving burning pyrite-era bridges with gasoline can in hand.

 

Thinking: What have I done? How did it come to this? I fail to understand.

 

Violent and consuming flames attack…birthing toxic ash, smoke and haze.

 

Making moments leading to here, a SLOW BURN BORN through the years, weeks and days.

 

Through the misty carnage, I squint and find you…barely squinting back at me.

 

Are you remorseful, angry or saddened; or instead, are you filled with glee?

 I now close my eyes and look within bewildered by who I have become.

 

The kingdom I once sought to conquer and build now lies ruined and undone.

 

The Pyrite Bridge has crumbled with its vows, dreams and promises made in vain.

 

Far backwards I travel through dangerous paths filled with failures, regret and pain.

 

Confronting highwaymen of my past, demanding they return what they stole.

 

I take back the innocence of my youth and the purity of my soul.