I Drink to All the Victors

May my drink tonight be as strong as the character I vow to have.

Let the burn of it run down my throat and set my fears in flame.

No man is my keeper.

So to no man, my shortcomings may be blamed.

Purity, sing down unto my hardened heart, turn my weak lust of the flesh

into a love of the soul.

Truth, to no one I felt your grace I owed, and in my betrayals of others

I have turned my back to the beauty you so freely give.

Mercy, do not show yourself in the punishments I am owed.

For with each lash on my back, I grow.

Let my good prevail.

May evil no longer be worn as my veil.

I drink to all the victors, who have fought and won this fight.

And I drink to all the victors, who have forsaken darkness to see this light.