Death Defying

Perhaps I am a poor liar
but I am well practiced in deception.

In order to save myself I have:
feigned madness
offered my lips to the Devil
lain awake in sleep
while a strength I cannot lay claim to reached inside me.

I have pitiful weapons
only my small hands
quick mind
flexible conscience
protect me.

No matter how often I explain this,
that this is what it means to be a woman
weaker than your predator and helpless in your rage,
there is no explaining it.

So I will let him touch me
as long as I can bear it
and then I will "awaken"
pulling away carefully
a still and silent animal
careful not to arouse suspicion.

I am not a victim
but I am prey
and like any prey
I must use anything I can
anything at all
to evade capture.

And even though I am triumphant:
I have dissembled well and am safe
still I have not fought with righteous fury
and am condemned.

His Kiss

Lord of the Dance
Lord of the Hunt
unfettered by humanity
His kiss is death
untainted by the stench of the grave

Lord of the Wilderness
Lord of Chance
ageless and dying
His kiss is fear
removed from hope

Horned One
Fallen One
virile and stricken
His kiss is madness
unburdened by serenity

Green Man
Dark Father
His kiss is love
encompassing all