Unknowing, I came upon men of seeming dark intent,

It seemed they wanted to strip me of things I’ve never willingly spent.

I was pressed by a will beyond my own, so in search of truth unspoken,

Reduced to subservience, timeless, weaponless, and broken.

In a state of unknowing I finally found broken sleep in anticipation.

Awoken rudely I remembered and forgot, confused, angry, and bereft of inspiration.

I approached the day willingly among companions just met, though I seem to have known for a lifetime.

Senses overloaded, I faced myself willingly, finding a shadow and entering the circle at just the right time.

Reborn and uplifted, I continued the journey into darkness, anticipating an ending.

Foreign revelry I faced first enraged with angry passion, my ego pressing hard against my defenses.

Overloaded, I slept fitfully, awakening in dazed bewilderment, wondering what would come to be.

Profoundly changed, I faced the new day bravely and ran head first into me.

I am a man among men exposed and exalted my mission is finally clear.

I was buoyant with the energy of unconditional love and new brothers each of whom I hold dear.