It's there, inside of me, like a wellspring.
A fountain I dare not drink from.
It's poisoned with bitterness -
Mara.

Wretched and angry
It would snake through my veins
As a viper.
It's fangs will grow over mine
As it longs to consume my opponent.
It'll make him my enemy -
A hated enemy.

And as it strikes out with a hiss
Its venom will murder me also
Like it's already trying to do
As I stand here - helpless.

Staring at the stream,
Longing to quench my thirst
But fearing the consequences
And rightfully so.

Rather hollow and empty
Than vengeful and murderous.

Yet keeping my distance
Does not seem to stop the poison
From taking its hold on me.
Slowly I feel faint, weary, scared,
Hollow and empty - the accepted fate.

My reticence makes it bubble and spin
And whirl and hiss.
Wicked broth more hungry for me
Than I am for it.

Just waiting to swallow me whole.

31 March 2006