Worm

Said 1 to 2,

"Do you think we'll ever get out of here?"

"That I die in this cage is my greatest fear."

“Yes, to that, my friend, I surely relate.

To think all we’ve been through, but this place is our fate.

…

But do you think that possibly it might be,

That one day we’re released to be finally free?”

“Your hope is a burden that I daren’t bear.

Your dreams are ropes tying your body to a chair.

Find comfort in knowing that here we will sit,

no matter our penance, found faith or our grit.

You speak of our fate, but it was signed long ago.

Let go of thoughts that only fools know.

It is my greatest fear, because it’s the truth.

Now don’t ask such questions like some naïve sleuth.

This is our lot that we chose by ourselves,

to wither to nothing and rust on this shelf.

…

“But…I don’t want to die here. I had so much more promise.

To be loved and to love, in my core, to be honest.

One mistake instead leaves me here sinking,

so you tell me to stop, but I can't help thinking:

'What if I could get out, start a life outside new?

Be a sunshine and light, instead of the darkness in you.'

...

I'm sorry. You're right--this hope is a joke.

I should accept that I've already croaked.

...

But what if I could escape, rewrite what's written in stars?

You say that hopes kill me, but they'll fly me to Mars!

Yes, that's what I'll do! I've life left to live yet!

Now help me start digging--this chance our best bet!"

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...

...

Said 2 to 1,

"As I told you before, here forever I'll sit.

No matter my penance, found faith or my grit,

I made this bed and here I will lay,

the loss of that promise is the price I must pay.

Your progress is fine, friend, but I can't relate.

Good luck on your mission, I've accepted my fate."

...

...

...

Said 2 to 1,

"Yes, I see your progress. So very close,

but the fact is that you have no reason to boast.

Here for a crime to which you fully admit,

yet you dig for redemption that you just shouldn't get."

...

...

...

Said 2 to 1,

"Good-bye, for our paths shall never again meet,

for here I will sit as you wander the streets."

1 shouts down the corridor of his tunnel's end,

"And good-bye to you! I will miss you, my friend!"

But before 2 can close his eyes in farewell,

the sound of a tweet has sent 1 to Hell.