Poison

I thought it was over;
My mouth burned as I 
Sucked out all the poison
But it was just the first supply.

It started as a whisper
A side glance here and there
But as the rain fell
It hooked me like a snare.

Memories of the rage
Flood the streets in my mind
Until all is underwater
And I'm walking through it blind. 

The lies burn my heart
Leaving scars shaped like friends
Ethereal hands shift above me
Tying up the loose ends.

Like all my life
Has led up to this event
A test of my character
To rise up or lament.

I have to believe it's for the best
Once the rot is sliced away
Once all is confessed
And the roots are burned through.

Beauty will take its place
All my dreams allowed to bloom
The pain of hateful fingers
Forgotten in the tomb.

I know it will take time
For this ache to leave my chest
And to work through
All that I've repressed.

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Image: Tina Crossgrove