Chained
I walk with a stranger
Talking slowly never looking at him
I watch my shoes
Shuffle along the steel floor
Knowing the lie
I retreat inside
And then I die
Slowly ever so slowly
Heart and soul not with standing
I am a monster in plain clothes
Taking from everyone
Without shame
I lie
For I must live
Beyond their lives
Beyond their truths
Beyond what anyone believes
For I am the lion in winter
The hunter of men’s souls
That lives deep in a place so many know
They come when they are alone
When they are scared
They seek me forever
And I give nothing back
I am bitter in their throats
But oh so warm in their minds
I bring sickness
I burn down fear
I make them brave in moments that never last
I live in the streets
On the corners
In their hats
I’ll take anyone
Your sister or your Aunt
You trust me to the end
But I will leave you
I must
As I am the ultimate pretender
A bottle that knows no end
Copyright © Stephen Kilmer | Year Posted 2019
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