The black viper slithers in,
twisting and turning;
unseen at first,
until finally, it is within reach.
Slowly it climbs,
wrapping itself around;
entwining, round and round
until finally, it tightens.
Darkness disguised,
evil, invisibly visible;
‘You are safe, do not struggle’
it lies trying to convince.
Awareness dawns,
slowly at first;
fear grows rapidly
as a knowing settles in.
The viper will not let go,
hope begins to fade;
yet, resistance holds strong
outlasting unreasonable fear.
Shimmering, a light appears,
warmth settles in;
seeping and healing,
broken parts, past pains.
The truth revealed,
surrender, freely given;
an unravelling commences,
and the grip is lost.
The viper is repelled,
darkness begins to fade;
hope and peace burst forth,
healing the empty void.
Temptation and emptiness,
not to be forgotten;
disappear into the shadows,
waiting for another chance.
The void fills endlessly,
sustained by light;
love and joy expand,
keeping the beast at bay.
Understanding settles,
bringing awareness and wisdom;
the viper cannot strike
as long as one treads in the light.
Love overturns hate,
light repels dark;
shine as you journey,
tread in shadows no more.
© Leslie C Dobson
If you liked this poem, you can find additional ones on the poetry page of Leslie’s website.