A Linear Maze of distorted times A Linear Maze of distorted times A repeating cycle of lost lines I move through walls that twist and breathe, shadows whispering lies I too believe, monsters stitched from thought and fear wait in corners, always near. And when I see you. Small, unknowing, wandering blind, a version of me from another time in this labyrinth of the mind. Still unaware of threat and crime Your steps are fragile, your gaze unlit, you do not see the teeth of it. My heart breaks with the weight of need: to gather you close, to shield, to lead, to be the gaurdian you deserve, a steady hand, a guiding nerve. The protection i too needed Looking as blankly as she did But my own footing slips and shakes, my voice is drowned by what my thought miss makes. I cannot lift you while I fall, cannot build a shelter with no wall. So I stand, aching, tethered still, watching you stumble through the chill. I whisper promises into stone: when I can hold myself, you won’t be alone. Wondering if my mom felt so powerless Watching me as I see you go threw this But now, I fight to quiet the djinn, to mend the fractures deep within. And though I cannot teach you yet, I unlike her, I will not forget If a safe pathway can be found Once im on it you'll hear my sound You will see my signals calling you to clarity Ill bring you too the gates before I break free Ill leave trails and markers Tall ladders , kind martyrs Strong tools and cloaks to hide Ill apologize for every time i lied Ill give you everything I use Ill explain every one of my vague clues I wont leave you alone and uncertain If I figure out how to remove my own curtain