Pernicious

Pretentious

You spew words

Brandishing them like shiny swords

Contentious

You start fights

Enraging — your sarcasm bites

Flirtatious

You wink eyes

Charming crowds with your Cheshire cries

Imperious

You put down

Demeaning all who doubt your crown

Nefarious

You hide crimes

Hiding facts with deceptive rhymes

Blasphemous

You speak lies

Deceiving in a svelte disguise

Outrageous

You shine light

Starring onstage — it’s yours each night

Ravenous

You eat souls

Leaving your prey in half-dug holes

Mischievous

You scheme plans

Caring just for what fills your hands

Photo by Quinn Buffing on Unsplash

Devious

You shroud deeds

Concealing truth in unkempt weeds

Hazardous

You cause harm

Wounding souls with your serpent arm

Enormous

You fill rooms

Bowing low in ornate costumes

Disastrous

You wreck lives

Slashing spirits with sharpened knives

Presumptuous

You feel owed

Reaping profits you never sowed

Infectious

You plague skin

Polluting minds with darkest sin

Suspicious

You place blame

Isolating your ragged game

Frivolous

You waste love

Injuring hearts by push and shove

Impervious

You run free

Dodging your explosion’s debris

Treacherous

You sneak flings

Cheating without removing rings

Fictitious

You wear masks

Portraying myths with seamless tasks

Rebellious

You break laws

Punishing even minor flaws

Anonymous

You hide you

Burying your dangerous hue

- Written May 2, 2020 -

It’s an oddity that while exploring feelings — especially through poetry — old pain occasionally surfaces. Wounds you thought long healed sometimes break open with fresh misery.

It’s been years since I loved those mirrored in this poem. They are decades gone from my life, but their scars are still with me. Most days I can escape them, but there are times I must acknowledge them. The wounds need to breathe so they can heal again.

These words, though angry, are healing to me. I hope they are also healing to you.

Until next time, keep fighting.

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