Rhymes in Red: a collection of poems by D. W. Christian

I Heard the Devil Call My Name

I heard the Devil call my name,
A gentle whisper in my ear.
"Oh broken boy, you're not to blame.
So rid your eyes of all your tears.

I know the reason for your pain -
a maiden shattered you like glass.
It's tragic, yes, this passion vain -
You lovers young now of the past."

"You Fallen Angel, hear me now,"
I said with what resolve I bore,
"You leave me now, you have not found
a friend in me, be here no more."

He gazed at me with soulless eyes.
"But darling, I know what you feel:
You feel alone in your demise
The same as me. This pain is real.

You offered her your heart and soul,
a lifetime, bonded by a ring.
At first she shared this life-long goal,
but now, a diff'rent song she sings.

It's quite alright to see with me
the agony she's given you.
I understand what no one sees
You love her still, and that's the truth."

The Devil was correct in this,
for still I loved the maiden so.
And some called me a masochist
for I refused to let her go.

"But she," said I, "told me that she
could not fulfill a faithful life
to God above and be with me,
and let alone become my wife.

For reasons such as this, I must
respect our love's unseen decline.
And though I feel the deed unjust,
it surely has to be divine."

"Divine? Why would a loving God
give you this maiden you adore,
then rip her from you and applaud
the taking of your paramour?"

"But I-" before I could retort,
he interjected, "Darling, please,
I know you're of the gentle sort.
So do not fight me from your knees.

I know the things you've done for her,
a love like that's what you deserve."
I thought and answered, "Lucifer,
You really think that's what I've earned?"

He took my hands and said my name,
"I do indeed," he then replied.
And to my everlasting shame,
I almost took the Devil's side.

But like a flood, into my head
came strength in heart and peace of mind.
I shook the Devil off and said,
"Now listen here, you Prince of Lies:

I loved the maiden more than I
have ever loved another girl.
The times I held her to my side,
I would not trade for all the world.

She told me many times that she
had loved me more than anything.
Regardless of sincerity,
I never thought to change a thing."

"But she said she was yours 'til death-"
"We all say things we cannot keep.
Yes, she and I had hoped to wed,
but that, it seems, was far too steep.

I'm broken, yet still here I stand
with God beside so I can see.
And with His guidance, now I can
forgive the wrongs she's done to me.

Our time together was so good,
perhaps the Lord could will again.
But as for now, the loving should,
for us, indefinitely end.

And so now, Devil, know you not
that, though this love's my misery,
I'd rather her be close to God
than sell her soul and be with me?"

And with those words, the Devil fled,
and ended there his twisted game.
But I'd do well to ne'er forget
that day the Devil called my name.