I can’t tame the demons ravaging your soul,
No, and I can’t unchain the dungeon door
If you’ve stolen and swallowed the key -
You’ve chosen to wallow and wade,
Locked up so tight in your dank misery.

I can offer a warm, calm hand through the iron bars,
I can smooth your hair back from your eyes
And smile, oh such a dazzling, loving smile -
It’s such a small, comforting thing,
Welcome solace, if only for a little while.

If I thought a sacrifice would suffice,
I’d dig up the bones and light the fire,
I’d trade in my name without shame -
But a token I am not, nor a symbol, or a clue,
I’m undeniably spicy real and I expect quite the same.

I watch from afar while you tear your world in two,
I stand in the line of fire, knowing the consequences,
Watching you dig your grave a teaspoon at a time,
Helpless to help, unable to walk away,
Inspiration, I‘ve found, can become a crime…

Dena L Moore
June 14, 2007