Thank you Kira. I tried to put into words what so often goes unspoken. This piece exists because of you, and I hope it carries even a fraction of the honesty, resilience, and reflection you wanted to see.




Mirror

Dreaming of days of normal
But who decides who thinks twice
And says that’s not okay?
Who coaches the psychiatrist through the tough days?

I’m good.
I’m fine.
I’m okay.
Even though that’s just today.

Everything that holds me together eventually breaks
But I’m not afraid
No, I don’t have friends, but I have me
I’m stronger than you believe

Even though you think I might take that drink
Even though you think I’ll refuse to medicate
Even though you think I’ll isolate
Even though you think I won’t advocate

I stumble through the shadows, feel the weight of days
Learn to stand in sunlight, even when it fades
Every scar is a map, every tear a guide
Every battle fought reveals the strength inside

I’m better

Look in the mirror, what do you see
A heart that bleeds, a mind that fights
A soul that burns through endless nights
The cracks are proof of what survives
The flame inside will win the fight


CCaines
August 30th, 2025
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For Kira
Listening to chosen music 'Shinedown - A Symptom Of Being Human'
Sereina Marie "The BEST" Inspired - 12 days ago

I have always loved the musical rhythm of Nine Inch Nails. Sharing a submission for myself. Nobody online here (now) knows me truly so here’s some raw exposure. Yes this is from the Tron soundtrack. Even better!



Sentenced

Open heart, outstretched hand
Silent words expose mass confusion
Theory exposed the vein and hell seeped in
Like an infection, symptomatic a disruption
Assumed immunity to any fall out
But historical tales broke open scars
No hearing await a final conviction
Drowning…
Thrashing to pull up for air
Assumptions further descent
Succumbing..
How do you breathe, endure, exist?

Way out, where’s the way out?
Is this a dream?

The gavel thunders with judgement and history repeats.

“Every day is exactly the same.”

CCaines
August 24th, 2025
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For Me
Listening to chosen music 'Nine Inch Nails - As Alive As You Need Me To Be'
Sereina Marie "The BEST" Inspired - 18 days ago

Thank you Lady Heathen the selection from Seraphim Shock spoke to me out of your submissions. The darkness welcomed me and enveloped my soul.




Leaving Only Ashes

A figure forward.
A deadly aura.
Sin surrounds.
Lost… or found?

Eyes captivated, cloaked in a mist.
Soft-spoken lies, a mouth kissed,
A bond so fierce, it buried scars,
Blinded by depth, I ignore who you are.

Ripping through my core, stealing every breath,
I begged for mercy, but I’m counting down to death.
Hesitated as I hoped there was a way,
Delay faltered and now the night turns to day…

Outcast and broken, defeat with one last kiss.
Tears sting my eyes, then drop into the abyss.
Light radiating, fire sinking into flesh,
A silent surrender as darkness takes what’s left.

Breathing out our final goodbye…
Leaving only ashes where we now lie.

CCaines
August 22nd, 2025
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For LadY HeatheN
Listening to chosen music 'Seraphim Shock - Some Sick Dream'
Sereina Marie "The BEST" Inspired - 20 days ago

The Good Old Days? That's where the tune brings me back. Thanks for your submission.




The Deepest Experiment

Pieced together for the first time
Questioned
Connection
We never wavered
We had precious time
Tears
Years
Hand in hand

Too often experiments fail
It's worth it to try
The pressure is brutal
We strive to survive

Live for the moment
We weren't supposed to be
Here we exist
In quiet company

Your eyes held everything
My heart was the key
The burden too much
Just a memory, my memory

I close my eyes to remember
A time
A touch
A smell
A love
We will always be
Perhaps will see you
Tears
Years
Continue with anew.. but I still love you.

CCaines
January 9th, 2016
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For Angela
Listening to chosen music 'Bon Jovi - Bed Of Roses'
Sereina Marie "The BEST" Inspired - 9 years, 8 months, 8 days ago

Olivia these selections took me to different places but I really like where I ended up in the end. Hope you enjoy.




See

Spread yourself some happiness
God you know that I am blessed
Living for that deep caress

Pity you who waste a breath
You're basically in full arrest
Suffering induced consequence

Rid yourself of sympathies
Reach out for this ecstasy
Freedom between you and me

A smile to spread across those lips
Feel the sweat that beads our hips
Taste of flesh in full eclipse

Imagine this reality
Perfection into harmony
Take my hand and you will see

CCaines
January 4th, 2016
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For Olivia
Listening to chosen music ‘AWOLNATION - Sail'
Sereina Marie "The BEST" Inspired - 9 years, 8 months, 13 days ago