demons

what eats at the soul is a part of us

flaming dragon, photo by Aspen Blue

once they’ve settled in
exceeding difficult to cajole
really they insist on staying in bed
sleeping late, binge-shopping, eating cake
at parties sure to take the microphone

less houseguests than family
for the times they were your only support
and that’s why, when wakened, they start fires
instead of doing the chores or
minding protocol

teach them tricks and they’ll perform
as long as they trust you won’t betray them
for shiny, new, a little closer to accepted
and you shouldn’t — they protect
a part of you

their trust should be garnered
for the times they were your only support
nobody wants to burn again
what’s already sacrificed
not even demons

Please see more of Aspen Blue here:

The Day the Laughter Died