it took ashes... br for me to draw br a picture of your living br in black and white... br br yet containing all br the colors of your being... br br it took ashes... br for me to lay down br all my wants and desires, br and the fear of losing you... br br it took ashes... br for me to quit pretending br that this kingdom br is invincible... br and this island will remain... br br it took ashes... br for me to taste br death's lips and br still surrender to br each naked tick of living... br br it took ashes... br for me to be br honest with myself... br to let go of the reins, br and stand free br br on the shore of tomorrow! br br it took ashes...