Death Row Poem by Joshua Thomas

I don't know a god by the peace in the shade,
But I know the devil by the price that I paid.
The cost of a life is the debt on my back.
So follow me, brother, for my soul shaded black.

Rebellion is a sin that I'd gladly take,
But the right reasons are far too easy to fake.
My wrongs running circles whirling ever down.
They say no good deeds will ascend me from the ground.

I remember days where my mind wandered cold.
'Keep your head down, never stop doing what you're told,
With your eyes low to earth but thoughts up above.
Only with repentance will you ever find love.'

It wasn't for freedom or good heaven's sake,
It wasn't for weapons or the lives that they take.
It wasn't for sadness, or anger, or hate.
It was a fight against life from sealing my fate.

Hangman is watching to take me to his horde.
Or is he my savior to send me to his lord?
I don't know a god by the peace in the shade,
But I know the devil by the price that I paid.