This is what seeps and lurks in bones and veins
It is like a dark stare within me
At times it drives me far and wide
Sometimes drags me far too long and far away
What happened for it to be this way?

Also, it seems it is here to stay
Even the priest seems to like it this way
It drives us to pray and ask for forgiveness
Yet, I ask, is it truly gone?
Has it been here all along?

Sometimes heard as a distant echo
Other times felt as a tidal wave
This drives us often into action and reaction
Or even urges us to climb the ladder of fame
Same old, same old, I hear the wise man say

On the surface we often live our lives
Anger and bitterness can become lingering fumes
Blaming the other for what batters inside
As we walk the road of violence and abuse
the lurker within becomes our fuse

The preacher says, I am also made this terrible way
Giving his words, citing the verse, before he says,
Let’s repent from our ways
An easy way out, perhaps
Yet, often it leads to dismay
Most likely never meant to be easily fixed
this deep-seated pain felt from within

I sensed it this morning
I sensed it last night
It creates this experience of restless dismay
Yet, turning the lights on, I knew
Now I greet this guest that seems here to stay
I ask him, may you hit this vase until it cracks and shatters
Becoming whole, I found, is what matters
In growing old, you’ll strike your gold, as the wise man told