The Risk of the Middle Way

I limp along with obligation
Its burdens pressing on my shoulders
You always show a face that's steady
You ask but you refuse to beg me
And you have always been unwilling
To ever speak of compromise

These passions are such mirthless masters
Sated without even a smile
Their reassurance can't persuade me
Of secret peace or hidden beauty
And they are chronically unwilling
To ever speak of compromise

I was just trying to play it safe
I was just trying to stay out of harm's way
I was just trying to negotiate
To find myself in the middle way

With terrors on each hand
I settle in this land
Neither hot nor cold
Neither brave nor bold
Blunted sharp corners
See through like a shade
The edges tatter off
Slowly I'm unmade

With terrors on each hand
I settle in this land
Neither hot nor cold
Neither brave nor bold
There's risk in the middle way
Of slumping into torpor
I can say what I'm against
But hardly what I'm for

You never know how much is just right
Until you've reached out and regretted
Submit and keep your feet from slipping
You watch what you put into that head of yours