Born with darkness of hell
clinging to the innocent and pure
thorny tentacles puncture skin

Corrosive past digs into human form
gripping the bones
with no intention of release

Crippled for half a lifetime
when awareness beckons a shift
and the cruel ghost is exposed
for the burden of cruelty and torment
that it is

“Relinquish your hold, punishing hell
for without further nourishment
you will wither and dry
and as you loosen your grip
fall away into a fire of remorse and regret”

Acid kindling burns in the embers of spiritual light
smoke rising like a phoenix
as fearful motes scatter into the wind
unburden