Exorcism

It snarled.
I closed my eyes and sighed,
Here we go again.
How had it lived this long?
This beast, this BEAST,
This shape-shifting demon.
Lured by its advent charm-
Its warm, disarming demeanor-
I allowed myself to approach
Ever closer,
I let myself trust
Ever deeper.
Yet each. time.
The bite came, drawing blood.
Here we go again.
How many incarnations had I seen?
This beast, this BEAST,
This shape-shifting demon.
Wracked by rage-
Ungrateful, selfish monster!-
I allow myself to consider
Ever after,
I raise the question:
Never again?
I meet its eyes.
Cold, impassive, no remorse.
Here we go again?
How long before it kills me?
This beast, this BEAST,
This shape-shifting demon.
Covered with scars-
Arms, legs (mostly heart) –
I allow myself to approach
Ever closer,
I raise the rifle,
Dig ever deeper.
Pull the trigger.
Walk away.

Photo by Rendiansyah Nugroho