// pride//

they think they can manufacture pride;

like painting toys in a factory line.

they think they can conjure spirit out of thin air;

like turning metals into gold.

what they fail to understand,

is that pride comes not from outside,

but from within.

what they fail to understand,

is that pride is something you feel,

something that wells up from inside;

not something you are dropped into,

and stained with.

pride is when the dreams you’ve dreamt,

and the goals you’ve sought,

are fulfilled right before your very eyes.

when those beside you turn,

and hug you because they had the same vision in mind.

when all else fails to matter but the overwhelming emotions

bursting from within,

wash over all your senses.

when no matter how bleak the future may be,

for one brief glorious moment,

hope and camaraderie fills the air.

when time stops,

and for a brief moment,

you forget to breathe,

and then it all gushes forth,

in a torrent of exultation.

and today, I felt pride.

Hi, my name is sky, and I am stone and I am fire. I will not fall and I will not break. I will hold up the weight of the world; I will burn with the brilliance of a thousand suns, and I care not if you know me. My light will illuminate even the ends of the world, my strength will support even the heavens. Do what you will, for you cannot quench this flame, and you cannot knock down this wall. Hi, my name is sky, and I am stone and I am fire.

We’re not living our lives, we’re dying our deaths.

No ambition, no passion, no direction.