The Enemy

Dark is his face, dark as the night

Sunken in shadow, shielded from the light.

Cruel and conceited, pleased at the sight

Of fear.

Holding it dear

My enemy draws near.

Through teeth sharp as knives a challenge is hissed

Words of iron crawl through the mist.

Gloved in steel, a verbal fist

Upon me is laid.

From the heel of his boot to the tip of his blade

I have seen the enemy and I am dismayed.

Cold is his voice, cold as the tomb

Soft and deceitful, reeking perfume.

Calm and quiet, a wolf costumed

As a lamb.

In full command

My enemy makes his stand.

Mocking my courage, he crosses his heart

Begrudging the ground that keeps us apart.

Considering me but an upstart

Easily dispatched.

From the jaws of victory defeat has been snatched

I have seen the enemy and I am over-matched.

Closer I draw, close as I dare

Breathing labored, gasping for air.

Daunted dumb, nerved by the nightmare

Now faced.

Courage misplaced

My enemy's hand seems graced.

Dropping his hood, he reveals himself to me

Triumphantly parading his true identity.

I was a fool not to see

The end of the game.

After years of battle I'm ready to proclaim:

"I have seen the enemy and I now know his name!"

In horror I stand, transfixed by the sight

Sword limp at my side, unable to fight.

I am undone, overwhelmed by the might

Of my foe.

His eyes aglow

My enemy strike the first blow.

Losing my balance, I fall to the ground

My limbs aching, my head spinning around.

Hell bent and Heaven bound

If such places be.

Though the truth has been divulged I am far from free

I have seen the enemy and the enemy is me. . .