Halcyon

the barter

in the weakest moments,

it arrives, like a tiger,

stealthily, softly, smoothly,

to prey on an anguished heart.

no questions asked,

it doesn't engulf

into that stupid ritual,

but settles into a barter system,

trade the soul, and the heart,

for a fleeting, distant mirage,

because, hey, what else can

a guilt-ridden existence

offer else?

we're even, it says,

but are we, truly?

maybe it will leave.

maybe it will stay.

by then, it won't matter,

want to know why?

it has learned

the shape of your weakness,

and you have learned

to call the hollow

your safest home.