I harbor a mean spirit
but not in my soul
He roams through my
consciousness as havoc and pain
Trying to break through
to that place where he’s banned
Trying to break through
to where my innocence lives
Again and again he forces  
his will
But it all goes for naught  
and he waits till I sleep
Where Laura’s on guard
in my dreams to protect
With insomniac hell
he still tries to invade
Her will ever stronger
than his fleeting advance
Each night he comes knocking
as she turns him away
Until with mocking futility
he warns me at last
In words that are cursed
and bathed in disgust…

“You can run to your Muse
  and hide if you wish

“But temptation and trial
  are served from my dish

“Go be safe in the womb
  but remember outside

“When you leave her protection
   —there is no place to hide”

(Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2016)