Avalanche (Terminal Velocity)

To begin at the beginning

I stepped into an avalanche

It covered up my soul

When I am not a hunchback

I sleep beneath a hill

You who wish to conquer pain

Must learn to serve me well

You strike my side by accident

As you go down for gold

The cripple that you clothe and feed

Is neither starved nor cold

I do not beg for company

In the center of the world

When I am on a pedestal

You did not raise me there

Your laws do not compel me

To kneel grotesque and bare

I myself am the pedestal

For the thing at which you stare

You who wish to conquer pain

Must learn what makes me kind

The crumbs of love you offer me

Are the crumbs I've left behind

Your pain is no credential

It is the shadow of my wound

The avalanche you're looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Is looking at

Do not dress in rags for me

I know you are not poor

Don't love me so fiercely

When you know you are not sure

It is your world beloved