In A Downward Spiral of Regrets

In A Downward Spiral of Regrets

In a downward spiral approaching the vortex.
The light at the end of the tunnel is dimming.
Dreams not achieved, bridges burned.
How do I know when my life turned?

It turned when I caved to peer pressure.
And when I gave up on my dream.
It turned when I groomed my dead father,
And said goodbye to my devoted mother.

It turned when I traded in my virtue,
For friendships superficial.
Not realizing the most important ones in life,
Are family, my children and wife.

Now I arrive at a turning point.
Which path am I to choose?
The downward path that leads to death,
Or toward His love which gives life new breath?

For this moment I'll choose to continue,
But I don't know for how long.
Every day I work behind the wire, encouraging the inmates
To better themselves and rise above their past.

Sometimes I wonder if I've sentenced myself to prison,
Daily incarceration with men of a similar vision.