Shadowland

Rustling silence captures thought—
How long I’ve tread this beaten lane.
Claiming over, “Nevermore!”
Yet, here I stand in empty pain.

These restless wanderings seize my heart—
I cannot turn, for fear I fall.
As storm rides sunset, fierce and full,
I scream confusion at the squall.

These chains of habit, forged in steel,
I smithed myself—no captor’s hand.
So now I step, time after time,
Into addiction’s shadowland. 

No sound of freedom, none of life—
Obsession creeps with greedy gait.
And still, I walk this dream of death—
A barren trail of love and hate.

Searching on for mind’s release—
Ellipsing darkness, void of light,
Held fast by “MORE” that will not cease—
My strength is gone, but still I fight.

Hear now, the wisps of wind that call
Round smoldered ash and filthy feet—
A gentle stirring through my soul,
Where frightened girl and warrior meet.

A breath I feel, a dormant gasp,
As One exhaled life-giving air—
A hopeful seed is planted now,
through lonely cry and desperate prayer.

No stronghold’s baiting worth resign—
No pleasure’s grip can spirit take.
So here I stand—resolve renewed,
And should I die, with Him, I’ll wake.

© 2019 Cassie N. Lung

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