A shadow sat beside me
He grinned and tipped his hat
I asked him,  "May I help you sir?"
He said,  "Hon,  you'll do more than that."

He said " I am your biggest failing,  
As well as your loyal crutch.  
I'm the demon that your plagued  by,
I'm the result of Satan's touch."  

His grin was filled with malice
Shadows wrapped around my arms
The darkness has descended fast
As he dangled comforts charm

I'm no longer my own person
Regardless of how I fought
The shadow is all through me
And controls my every thought

I sit here staring at my wall
Feeling  the cold slide of blood rolling down my arm
Like wet kisses easing the pain
I want to slice open blue veins and draw the chaos out
But I've drained all I can for today
Anymore and there'll be nothing left to purge
Maybe that's not a bad thing
Maybe that's where it needs to end
One well placed escape and it'll be done
Cold metal burns In my fingers
... Well my  friend,  
Perhaps tonight we'll make our grand exit

-I am the silent observer
The shadow that nobody sees
The snake in the grass that lies in wait
The hushed voice that plants the seed

-I will lead you to think you are worthy
A gem that cannot be compared
I will raise you enough to achieve my goals
In the end leaving waste and despair

-Opportunist,  a name I've been blessed with
Manipulation, a tool of the trade
Your misfortune a road I will claim as my own
As well as your will,  I'm afraid

-For you see,  I'm your own human nature
The envy that you cannot control
The hunter that roams for advancement and gold
Yes,  I am the truth of your soul

It's a skill that one must practice
A tool to wield with grace
It's a path paved for the cunning
Hidden by a pretty face

- You must learn to keep it simple
Don't add threads to growing web Don't pile on more fabrications
But add truth with it instead

- You must learn the ways of patience
Step back and let it build
Whisper words of sweet seduction  
Until agenda is fulfilled

- See,  ways of manipulation
Are obscure and gently made
Yet once you start you must dance on
In a lifelong masquerade