Author's Note:

I credit this one to Red Phoenix Lion, who asked if I'd considered writing a follow-up poem from Raphael's POV. I actually hadn't, but the review got the wheel's turning…

Raphael's feelings toward his brother Leonardo


NEED TO BREATHE

(Fragile, Part II)

Chaos has me captive
And there's no exit sign
I'd do almost anything
For a deep breath inside

Too much, too often, too hard
I've trapped myself
With my own regret
I walk a dangerous line

Trying to keep my anger in check
It's getting hard to hold me back
You're bringing out the animal in me
And flirting with the physical

Put yourself in my place
Fall back into the shadows
Blur the essence of heaven and hell
And you'll see my situation

I ache for great experience
To feel the riot in my senses
The heat of danger beckons me
I'm not content until I'm drowning

You should never try to deny me
The chance I need to jump
That edge must always be there
Or my soul will fade away

Please try to understand
That I only learn when I'm wrong
I only fight when it hurts
And sometimes I go too far

The past may be gone
And the storm will come again
But it doesn't change what you mean to me
Just let your feelings bend

Brother, I ask that you stand by me
But give me space to breathe
Even if I never say it
I trust you with every ounce of my being