The Iron Gate

ah, pain!
you are my constant companion
more faithful than my lover
and more jealous of my smiles

you follow me
like a shadow
throughout each day
nudging me gently
each time I forget you

lest I should enjoy myself,
you join me at play
pulling me away
from what I was wont to do.

my evenings are haunted by you
I sit unmoving,
exhausted from your constant company
and you hover over me
like an evil spirit --
relentlessly possessing me.

night falls.
and with it
I seek release in sleep

you follow me to my bed
my nightly lover
wrapping me gently in your arms
holding me close
lest I forget that I am yours.

and in the small hours of the morn
you awaken me
as a lover would
with gentle touches
soft kisses
that I try to ignore

ah, but pain,
you are the most
persistent of lovers
pulling at me
whispering into my ear
waking me
as my body submits
unconsciously opening to you

I attempt to drowse
sleepily
as you insinuate yourself
into my body
taking me gently at first
but letting your excitement build
dragging me forcefully
into wakefulness

you become impassioned
devouring me
you pound at my body
and I throb and ache for you
as a lover would
shaking and quivering
as you drive me beyond this world

oh, but you are pain
not my lover
you slam into my body
penetrating my soul
until I can think of none but you
until we are so close
so entwined
that I know not
who I am
I exist only for you, my pain

such power you hold over me
I am your unwilling thrall
as once again
you remind me
that no other will possess me
as totally as you

I bow my head
accepting your punishment
for daring to dream
to hope
that life could be otherwise.