Sweet Venom

The serpent's hiss, a venomous dart, Is honest hate, a tear right to the heart. But you, you whisper honeyed lies so sweet, A camouflage, a cunning, cruel deceit. You smile so wide, a painted mask of care, While in your eyes, a chilling, vacant stare. You pat my back, you offer words of praise, And plant the seeds of doubt in countless ways. The open foe, I know where they will strike, Their hatred burns, a flickering, harsh light. I brace myself, I steel against the blow, at least their malice, I can surely know. But you, dear friend, are a viper in disguise, Your poison spreads beneath my very skies. You bleed me slowly, with a gentle touch, A double-faced betrayer that's what you are. You're the worst kind of hater, who likes to stay hidden behind closed walls, You whisper made stories that should never be told. I rather have an honest hater, though bitter, they are still truer, than hollow love, projected false by you.