Madness does not run
It slithers up from behind
Catches you unaware.
One moment you’re safe
And the next, its tentacles
Wrap around your heart.
I saw the madness
In its cell, behind strong bars
Before it escaped.
Jumping the high fence
Racing across the pasture
Finding the grotto.
Hiding deep below
Feeding on the dark creatures
Sucking their essence.
Venturing outside
Sensing vulnerability
Probing our weakness.
Haunting our dreams
Polluting our unconscious
Clouding our resolve.
“Are you resentful?
Come follow me,” it whispers,
“Let out your anger.”
“Treated unfairly?
Because of your white skin?
Let your rage flow!”
Hollers, “Might makes right!
The ends justify the means!
Burn down everything!”
Madness taints judgment
Strips away moral constraints
Hardens fist and heart.
