Death Doesn't Scare Me

I've lived through more trauma than many have known.

Heartache and fear,

these feel like home.

Death doesn't scare me,

my daughter's a ghost.

I've danced with the devil,

held him remarkably close.

Lost many a friend to death and betrayal,

sacrificed for those who wished me ill.

Crawled out of hell,

battered and torn,

only to find the demons still lurk.

They dance in the corners,

catching my eyes.

They beg me to join,

no, not this time.

The music is sweet,

it leaves me feeling numb.

I'll live with these demons,

but I won't succumb,

The temptation is strong,

I want to give in,

But growth doesn't come from acting on whims.

I've overcome insurmountable odds.

The deck may be stacked,

but the cards are my own.