My Deal With the Devil

With a deafening thunder and blazing lightning, Amidst a swirling clouds of dark ominous smoke, He appeared suddenly smack in front of me-- A most hideous being who appeared neither human nor a beast. With the swift sleight of hand, Before I could even cry out: Stop it. Oh God, please stop He plucked my heart out and held it in his hairy filthy hand. Oh, why he has to take it out? My only possession, my only wealth, The only thing that beat against my frail, long worn-out chest, Assuring its constant company in this lonely journey of my life. But heedless of my pleadings, He tossed my heart into the gutter with a gut-wrenching laugh! I asked this foul fiend: Who art thou? Why did thou taketh my heart away? With a guttural voice he spoke thus: I am the devil! Lord of the Hell, I am the impetus that steers the course of affairs in this world; With me on your side, You'll get the most out of a strife. With Adam, the first man, I came hither and residing since. An ardent companion of those who coveteth glory in life He bent down, And with his flaming eyes peered into mine, Spitting foul breath into my face, he sneered: But this heart! Ha, this heart is a hindrance, A barrier, the core of love and humility, Where you feel the joys and woes of life. Nah, there's no need for it. Not in this world, Where the mind reigns supreme; Not in this age, Where vices prevail unrestrained-- The age of decadence, KALIYUGA!* He half turned to go, But then he paused, Turned back and looked at me. Never have I seen such a heavenly sight, Now transformed into an angel, He extended gracefully his milky-white delicate hand And whispered softly on the breath of the breeze: Give me thy soul... And I will give thee this world! ~Dark Poetry contest by Nayda Ivette Negron *(KALI-YUGA- Age of vice, is the last of four stages the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas (ages) described in the Sanskrit Scriptures - an era of decay in values and the consequent havoc.)