I become the snake

Photo by Duncan Sanchez on Unsplash

It’s happening again
I become the snake,
You must all be dreaming
Am I the only one awake?

Rage and hatred overthrow
My better sensibility,
Even those I know I love
Become the enemy.

I need you to stay away
I need to keep my distance,
I must not take up arms
Despite this world’s insistence.

I must not be seduced
By the voice inside my head,
Telling me it’s better
When all of us are dead.

I know with both eyes open
That I am being fooled,
If I close them for respite
I see us being mauled.

If I stay here in the dark
Far away from you,
Maybe I can shed this skin
And see a sky that’s blue.

Then I will be a man
No venom in my bite,
If I remain in darkness
I cannot win this fight.