Below the city’s cobblestones,

it shifted, restless and hungry

Its assault knew no bounds



I never saw it coming



Intent on satisfying a lust for chaos,

it lingered in the night

calling my name



And I, already astray on tumultuous seas,

sought refuge on its false oasis,

believing its promise of safety



Its lighthouse, sweeping lights spewing gentle rage,

deceived this lonely sailor

desperately grasping at lifelines



I bathed in its devious beams



Bruised and battered, I climbed its rocky shore

My boat, nothing but splinters, lay strewn against its bluffs

My tender feet masticated by skeletons of those who came before



Lured by its siren call, I persisted,

dragging myself to a gleaming gate

swung open in grand gestures of welcome



City streets, cold and empty, warned of danger

Still, I fell to my knees

thankful to be on solid ground



I never felt its knife plunge into my back





photo: mine



prompts: MLMM – First Line Fridays, #SW Prompt 04, #Written River, WordPress Daily Post