mirth

 
my dark peaks then wanes
I try to separate then bind
it tugs on the restraints in place
winding as it goes

anxious thoughts race
I feel the shadows close
into my mortal hollows, flowing

infectious laughter echoes
I laugh back, wait, was that funny
leering demons amuse
hecklers of my morality
they pick it clean

I don't dare show my fear
they can sense it under the surface
I can taste your fear, my dear

I stand my ground tortuous greed
flitting through my terrors are unfound fears
they manifest with hate I don't usually feel
jokes to make you flinch
I hear giggles
then laughter
the mirth of the moment
I laugh along it's contagious

my song altered by the madness
it cackles, I cringe
swept away on a wave of sorrow
it's needy and demanding attention

I close the book and begin a new one
it looms large in the background
the book of infamy not written