REPRIEVE

He stood on the unknown

Waiting for his movie to end

He watched the individuals down below

Attentive to how they blended to each other.

He paced the grounds of remembrance

Thought of past mistakes and failed efforts

Dealt with the sour aftertaste in his mouth

And swallowed the pain that crept up within.

He washed his hands in the sea of regret

Sought through the trials he was yet to face

Counted down until the day he would know

Not really looking forward to the path he’d have to take.

He felt the release from his terrible cage

Not in the eager eyes of the wicked crowd

But in the soft smile of a young princess

Having found the light he never knew he needed.