The Devil and I

He visits every twilight, cloaked in flame
A serpent's whisper veiled by angel’s name
On the first night, his gift, a golden crown
"Rule the earth," he says, "and cast all down."  

But I, unmoved, do turn my cheek
“Power fades, and crowns do reek
No throne can hold what is not thine
Be gone, for no kingdom shall be mine.”  

The second eve, with silver tongue, he came
A chalice brimming, steeped in crimson shame
"Drink," he crooned, "and taste delight
Forget your burdens, embrace the night."  

Yet I, steadfast, did not partake
“Your wine is ash, your feast a stake
No draught of yours can fill my soul
Depart, for sin won’t make me whole.”  

The third night brought a mirror grand
Reflecting dreams wrought by his hand
“Look,” he whispered, “at what could be
A life unbound, all fear set free.”  

But I, with scorn, did cast it down
“Your visions twist and dreams confound
True freedom lives where truth may dwell
Begone, dark prince, and take your hell.”  

Three nights he came, three nights he fled
His gifts refused, his promise dead
For no honeyed word nor gilded lie
Can sway the soul that won’t comply