Poisonous

There's something climbing past the bruises,

Fngers cold as Death's own grip

Like a frigid icy current

Or a poison on the lip.

It breaks through the scarred exterior,

Punches deep beneath the bone.

It reminds you of your faults

And all the reasons you're alone.

And you are alone, it tells you

As you ponder faceless friends,

All your failures at relating, 

All the fights and bitter ends.

Never will this grip not have you,

Never will there be a save,

For that poison's your life water

And your thoughts claim you their slave. 

-Anna Dee Homoki Gresham