ASHES BEFORE ALTARS - Birth of Trust

I came into this world with open hands
Believing every word meant truth
Believing every smile had weight

I learned their voices, learned their names
Built my faith on fragile frames
Every laugh felt honest then
Every promise felt like cement

I shared my thoughts without a shield
Showed my scars, showed what I feel
I thought respect was something real
Something earned by staying clean

I never checked behind my back
Never counted every crack

I GAVE MY HEART WITHOUT A SHIELD
BELIEVED IN EVERYTHING I FELT
I TURNED AROUND, THEY HELD THE KNIFE
SMILING AS THEY TOOK MY LIFE

I TRUSTED WORDS, I TRUSTED EYES
DIDN’T SEE THROUGH PERFECT LIES
I TURNED AROUND, THEY HELD THE KNIFE
SMILING AS THEY TOOK MY LIFE

They spoke of loyalty and pride
While sharpening the other side
Every handshake hid a plan
Every hug betrayed the man

I stood there thinking we were one
Thought the war was said and done
Didn’t know behind my name
They were placing all the blame

I thought silence meant respect
Didn’t hear the disconnect

I GAVE MY HEART WITHOUT A SHIELD
BELIEVED IN EVERYTHING I FELT
I TURNED AROUND, THEY HELD THE KNIFE
SMILING AS THEY TOOK MY LIFE

I TRUSTED WORDS, I TRUSTED EYES
DIDN’T SEE THROUGH PERFECT LIES
I TURNED AROUND, THEY HELD THE KNIFE
SMILING AS THEY TOOK MY LIFE

If this is what trust becomes
If this is how faith is used
Then innocence is suicide
And truth is something you lose

I GAVE MY HEART WITHOUT A SHIELD
NOW I KNOW HOW PAIN FEELS REAL
I TURNED AROUND, THEY HELD THE KNIFE
THIS WAS HOW I LOST MY LIFE

NOT MY BREATH, NOT MY NAME
BUT THE BOY WHO THOUGHT THEY’D CHANGE
I TURNED AROUND, THEY HELD THE KNIFE
THIS WAS HOW I LOST MY LIFE

Trust was my first mistake