The Man Behind the Mask
From deep within the subconscious of Darth Vader, the last shred of Anakin
Skywalker lives on. These are his thoughts as drowns in dark solitude.

I hear their hearts thump faster and harder,
Sense every muscle in their bodies flex,
Feel their blood run cold.
It is the fear I instill in all I meet--
If they only knew the truth...

I feel it with every drop of blood I spill,
Every step--
Every breath.
The infinite lightsaber blade that shoves deeper into my chest.
The price I pay...for the path I chose.

I now know what it is that makes them fear;
This damned mask!
This--mask...that so many fear...
Shields my pain.
Hides my tears.

"If once you start down the dark path,
Forever will it dominate your destiny."
Your words were wise as always, Yoda.
The dark side has me and I cannot let go;
Not for anyone--even the one I loved most...

"Anakin! Anakin, please!" she screamed,
As I stood at my master's side;
Watching him kill the love of my life.
I still not dare speak her name--
The pain would be too great.

Everyone thinks I am gone--
Even Obi-Wan.
But I am still here--
Lost in the darkness of Darth Vader;
A prisoner of my fear...a slave to my anger.

If only someone could shine the light
To show me the pathway out.
I remain here always suffocating;
Drowning in the subconscious.
I cannot get out alone.

If only someone could see past the machine--
And find the man behind the mask.