Evaporating into empty skies
taking heat and freedoms dew
leaving a shell that's parched and dry
hollow with regret's and lost dreams

letting go sweet passions steam
opening up to mundane days
living by the book of rules
under the thumb of authorities

reminded harshly each and every moment
regarding conventional obligations
a prison of silken ropes like steel
to hold the shell completely earthbound

no flying free allowed you see
forbidden fruits are locked within
this dried, old and now empty shell
with only memories of free flight

those memories must be crushed to ash
and diminished into bitter tears
even those dry fast in these arid times
as happiness is scattered like fog

I see no way to regain joy
without much pain to all around
so I hold close this ash of love
it's all that life can hope to give.