The Secret

You've known the deep frustration
Of desire without pursuit
The ceaseless, strong temptation -
Lust to taste forbidden fruit.

Emotion and fear coax you;
And desires misunderstood
Choke back the need that chokes you
And obscures your "bad" and "good".

Your inhibitions bind you.
Religion is a prison.
Confussion and compassion
Breed constant indecision.

Sometimes numbness, sometimes pain -
A loneliest existence.
Always fear and grief remain
To tease your weak resistance.

Still your words and deeds betray,
To one who really knows you
Strong denials eat away
Your bursting chest - expose you.

And, though your spirit's arching
Ever to it's baneful goal,
Your secret bites your parching
Tongue and mocks your screaming soul.