From the outside it appeared I lost my zest
Once upon a time, I yearned to be the best
The truth, I kept secret; that I left my nest
Spiritual, logical, I passed the test
One word to describe, I’m rejuvenated
My dampened spirit is now resurrected
Deeper inspection, it was just belated
Unorthodox triumph, now celebrated
Ashamed to admit I went astray and lost
Let go of my faith when I needed it most
Only way back to it was to self-defrost
Reminded I’d pay whatever it might cost
Standing here naked with an apology
To my young and budding bibliography
I’m now switching places with my effigy
Turning away from silly duplicity
My cathedral doubled its sanctified size
A prerequisite for the coveted prize
Strange rite of passage, I bravely surmise
From the effigy’s ashes, I chose to rise
Xeno Hemlock 