Which Way?

Do you know how it feels
to burn alive
inside
To not know 
which way to go
because both paths appeal
to one side or the other


The side of you
that wants to do
the right thing
No matter what


that trusts
and sees
and still believes


And the side
that just wants to be true
that wants to be free
to choose
no matter what


that’s tired of the pain
and rage, and strain
of being in a cage


Stuck in the middle
flaming, seering
seeing double
because it never ends
the choices
the paths
the cliffs
the traps


Either way you hurt 
yourself
either way you hurt
someone else


So which do you choose?
The one that’s selfless
that makes you
less of yourself


To make them smile
while you slowly fade


Or do you go
the other way
And one day pay
for your mistakes?


For the sake
of a glimmer of happiness
a tiny ray of sunshine
today?