An Executioner's Blade

A man gives up his life for his friends. Sound familiar?

Afraid, I stand alone...shivering
Noting the bleakness left of my life

Extolling bells signal my demise
Xeroderma covers my flesh, it peels away
External fires blaze around me,
Capturing the hatred on the faces of my accusers
Unshed tears struggle for release, but I
Try not to show my fear
Ironic though it seems, I give my life freely
Only the love for my friends
Nurtures my courage as they
Escape in
Relative
Safety

Bloodlust wanders fiercely in men's hearts
Looking sharply at the gleaming guillotine
Accosting hands push me onward
Decapitation
Expected