My heart is hardened
from the tears.
My heart is hardened
from the years,
from crying, mourning
true loves left
by cruelty's theft.

They now may cry,
their turn for me.
This heart, blind stone,
cannot their's see.
For what was felt,
deep, rich and pure,
no more is sure.

And with my heart
died one too true
to utter lies
as others do,
but silent stood
through many days
of wayward ways.

And with my heart
died two too true
to fashion falsehoods
as some do,
but quiet made
their heart my shade
where love I knew.

Now hollow heart
I hold in me.
Now hollow heart,
not bound, nor free,
but feeling less
of life I've known
as fear has gripped,
tormentors ripped,
and wisdom tipped,
"Hush ..."
safety sown.

Hush, quiet now,
feel less, and bow,
for emperors play,
and killing's a way ...

by Jennifer Feldpausch