Heart of Darkness

i realised for the first time today what a harpy i am – 
what a bitter, wicked harridan...
i recognised, at last, the depths of my enigmatic evil 
...and it was shocking, i can’t deny it; 
to realize how easily cruelty comes to me, 
slipping off my tongue like drops of mercury 
or venom from a cobra’s fangs…
it’s so much a part of me I don’t even know I’m doing it – 
I just wade right in and slaughter souls,
And stick harpoons into innocent hearts, 
As easy as I breathe or clear my throat or sleep 
And then later, when the fall-out comes, and I am berated 
And bombarded with vitriol, I sit back and foolishly wonder why 
Like a blind woman I just don’t see my bleak truth
I cannot comprehend the pain I have caused
…empathy is a trait I don’t seem to have in stock, 
And as for sympathizing with your sorrow, I simply can’t 
Because all I see when I look at you is cowardice 
And childish tears 
And all I hear is the whine of a petulant fool 
So no matter how much I may want to, how much I wish I could, 
I can’t thaw out my heart, or soften these glacial eyes…
And when you attack me, as you should, I just fight back harder 
And crush you a little further into the suffocating sand 
And then, indifferent, wipe your blood from my hands – 
And calmly walk away
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Heslop Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 12:47 PM
either you are very scary or very insecure, balming yourself!!....good writing...grrth
Brown Avatar
September 23, 2009 at 10:53 AM
It seems everyone's heart is flowing over today. Makes for some exciting reading. Thank you for sharing yours with us today Amy. Love, Carol
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace