Battleground

"We cannot well do without our sins; they are the highway of our virtue." - Thoreau

The midnight hour drew darkness over me like a black velvet curtain.

Adorning me with evil like a sinister shroud.

The king had me tossed into a fiery furnace.

I would not burn.

The queen seduced me with venom.

I would not yearn.

Wickedness serenaded me with lies.

I would not dance with it ...

Author's Note

"I, who cannot stay in my chamber for a single day without acquiring some rust, and when sometimes I have stolen forth for a walk at the eleventh hour of four o'clock in the afternoon, too late to redeem the day, when the shades of night were already beginning to be mingled with the daylight, have felt as if I had committed some sin to be atoned for." - Thoreau

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

How strong can a man's will be? I was reading Foxe's book of martyrs not too long ago and if the stories were true, these believers possesed incredible calm and fortitude in the presence of evil. I can only hope to sustain such grace in the throes of darkness. Excellent write, Pete. CD

[Pete]

we don't know how strong our faith and fortitude is until we are tested. thanks for sharing the great thoughts CD ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

Battlegrounds teast our courage and fortitude within and without. Some precious metals need that fiery furnace to form and give off beauty and hardness. We are all tested, tempted and led on to fall into this and that. Some learn and move by understanding while others are taken over. A powerful write Pete. I see you love Thoreau...

[Pete]

thank you Sami. i like and appreciate your thoughts on the matter. yes - thoreau is my muse ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are welcome.

[Onlyme]

Great poem Pete, can good, overcome evil. Wonder imagery and great photo used.

[Pete]

it can but not easily. it's a brutal fight Dawn. thank you ... :)

[Onlyme]

I do believe that also Pete.