Stolen. Poem by Derrick Andrews

Fate is a cruel entity we can not understand.
It deals with deadly accuracy and fearless slight of hand.
Although it seems that those who steal are destined to be caught,
Fate changes them by consequence until their pride is bought.
I've done my share of looting, hell I've taken all I could,
But just because it's possible does not mean that you should.
I've met the consequences and because of them I know,
That I've become a person who has lost his inner glow.
I look at my reflection and all I can see is pain.
No positive to reconcile the guilt that taints the gain.
I've never known a man to be more lost in his own mind,
I still can't find the man I was, I'm shame and guilt defined.
I've taken not an item, but an ideal, none the less,
That shatters me, emotionally, until I must confess.
You see, what I have taken is far more than just a thing.
And in taking it, I've left behind the pride inside my ring.