Leviathan's Kiss

Metallic pin pricks impatient skin,

poison rushes to dissolve pain (instantly);

misery takes a back seat to heightened delusions.

Counterfeit lights shine steady

in the darkest corners of my psyche.

I'm dancing without touching ground,

toxic tethers dictate the steps.

The Reaper's fingertips pluck

the strings of a seasoned violin,

converting sad songs to joyful tones;

blurring the line of

delight and destruction.

Hellish waters carry me swiftly

to where eyes of dawn reveal

blackened gates that lay horizontal

(with the likeness of teeth).

Euphoria encircles concern

as gentle words speak to me,

flowing from coiled tongue;

reciting lines of the Grand Grimoire,

contracts for my soul... renewed.

How comforting the kiss of damnation,

but a fleeting comfort it is.

The Reaper's song dwindles

as my feet touch ground,

and I rabidly attempt to catch

a crumbling paradise my trembling

arms have never held on to.

Shrinking pupils fixate on the light above;

downward palms press cool tiles

as I gather myself whilst

a toilet and sink play spectators.

Already addiction speaks through

a thousand bullhorns and my resistance

is but a whimper.

I concede to hollow veins

that echo for life through death,

seeking out shadowy death dealers---

brokers of my unilateral paradise.

So, I crave the sweet,

tender kiss of the Leviathan

just once more.

Or so I keep telling myself.

Author's Note

My first piece on the subject of addiction. I hope you enjoyed it, thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Rita L. Sev]

This piece puts an often ignored perspective on the subject of addiction. Your metaphors are excellent. You write with such honesty and compassion, Travis.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Rita... the subject is close to me for a number of reasons. i tried to write from a perspective that was absent of judgement, but captured the delightful madness that must encompass the sickness.

[SyberRose]

Wow...i'm sorry you had to deal with addiction in your family as i read your comment below...yes indeed
addiction is a monster who kidnaps your soul...nicely penned Travis

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Rose as usual your words are as tender as they are well placed. I appreciate your kind gesture of words, addiction is indeed a hellish monster. Unfortunately, I've seen it in motion, and it's terrifying.

[icelandicblue]

This piece was totally visceral for me. You used some very effective contrasts between joy and destruction to show the release and its price. There are many lines that stay with me but this one hit a resounding chord:

Counterfeit lights shine steady
in the darkest corners of my psyche.

None of it is real so none of it is lasting and the low measures the same depth as the height of the high. You've captured the devil's trap and the almost impossibility of finding the gate to escape. This is an extraordinary piece of writing and speaks to me on levels I wish I did not know existed.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

I am truly humbled my your thoughts... I am elated that this piece was able to reach you on such a deep level. This is a subject close to my heart, having lost my brother to his addiction and watching my mother recover from hers throughout my childhood. I have never experienced it personally, and tried to put myself in the shoes of my brother while writing this.

[Sami Khalil]

"Already addiction speaks through

a thousand bullhorns and my resistance

is but a whimper.

I concede to hollow veins

that echo for life through death,

seeking out shadowy death dealers---

brokers of my unilateral paradise."
A very powerful write on the subject of addiction with really good descriptions of its effects. You did a great justice to this one...Splendid , sir...:)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, you've made a full night of writing... worth the effort! I appreciate your awesome review.

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...You are welcome...:)

[KaylasPoetryBook]

Wow, you captured the highs and lows of addiction so effortlessly. The flow and word choice are both spot on. I was hooked on every word. Great job (:

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you very much for such a sincere review. I was hoping I did the subject justice, it is a personal one to me.

[KaylasPoetryBook]

Knowing that it was a personal write, makes it that much better. Thank you for having the bravery to share. Can't wait to read more of your work (: