The Act Of Refusal

I REFUSE to be manipulated, refuse to be digraced, refuse to be mistreated, I refuse to be replaced

But who really wins if I refuse to extend GRACE?

I refuse to talk things out, refuse to confront the PAIN, refuse to accept FORGIVENESS, refuse to accept my mistakes

But who really wins if I'm walled up by my SHAME?

I refuse to be a man, who, in living only for myself, would refuse to OPEN MY HEART to the burdens of someone else

And I refuse to find any comfort in a quiet or DARK, "safe" place

For the LIGHT still beckons me, and I refuse to not give chase.

~Cochise