IN SPITE OF by Nicholas Stephens

Though I laugh, never have my eyes run dry,

And as I smile, another secret I hide

Though I'm kind, my heart has never been treated likewise,

And as I cry, another blood vein I sacrifice

But Inspite of, I tried

Though my face shines in color, my life pales in black and white

And even when I glisten with confidence, my eyes are closed with secrets I hide

Though my life appears to be a lantern, shining bright,

My eyes forever remain a running pipe

But Inspite of, I tried

Tried to be good and tried to be wise

Tried to be truthful and abstain from lies

Tried to nurture and tried to care

Tried to be strong and refrain from fear

And though

Surrounded by darkness, I give off light

Surrounded by doubt, I still confide

Surrounded by water, I stay afloat

And Surrounded by hate, I still produce love

In spite of all, At least I tried