Numbered

'Time, which sees all things,        
has found you out.' - Sophocles          
           
I choose            
not to view artificial light          
or accept fake sentiment          
offered in disguise          
           
There are better things          
to observe and experience:            
           
splitting earth            
shedding winter skin          
hatching wildflower eggs;            
           
thrushed miracles            
drumstick limbs tapping            
the weight of squirrels;            
           
residue in puddled mud          
windy rainments            
of sun and birth;          
           
the arms of a good man          
holding space            
through trails and doubt            
           
all of which I behold          
at my fingertips          
           
No; demonic force            
pitch as you might          
your trident tongue          
decadently forked with discord          
trap-doored snare painted            
'i really do -- love you'          
           
Camouflaged as a friend    
angel of light--choral melody    
bursting forth dawn    
from your shrouded throat         
(off-key to those who've learned)          
           
It's too late now;          
Know this:            
           
I've received the word          
your days are numbered            
as they were with Job            
           
All I need do is continue      
moving through in gratitude      
           
O! demon of deception            
dark reignment of rule          
you have no choice --          
           
you've been revealed          
and cast out for good            
~