Nick was a golden child
Loved by a Muse
With many more talents
Than one man could use
But perched on his shoulder
With talons in bone
Was a raven of sorrow
As heavy as stone
Try as he might
The cold weight of that bird
Held him in bondage
And coloured each word
And though his gaze traveled
As high as the stars
The bleak touch of talons
Became prison bars
The call of the music
Was strong in his soul
He shot toward the heavens
His eyes on his goal
But heroes get weary,
And heartache is strong
And few men can conquer
The raven's dark song