Ever and Again

by Cliff Lake

The ancient path,
Once hidden,
Reveals itself again,
Convoluted and devious,
Promising paradise
For those worthy,
And willing to obey.

Subterfuge is its way,
Subtle glimpses of light
Leading a course
Into deepening darkness,
A rut well-travelled
By the artless
And the insane.

See how this shrouded trailway
Cuts back upon itself,
Backtracking when necessary
Looping and coiling ever deeper
Tracking its advance
Into confusion and coercion,
A route ending in perdition.

See the millions trace this passage,
Convinced this morass
Has not trapped them,
But that its snares and pitfalls
Trap only the unenlightened,
Blinded by ambition and self-service
They do not see the noose is indiscriminate.

No illumination can pierce the pall,
This avenue is closely guarded
By its travelers
Who gladly ensnare a trespasser,
Or shun those who would kindle light,
Threatening violence,
Or making promise of it.

The ancient path,
Blooded and putrid,
Leads those astray
Who would carve it again,
And carve any speaking against it.
The ancient path is tyranny and suppression,
And must be firmly closed again.
Always again.
Ever again…

Cliff Lake 1/21/2024
Copyright © Clifford Lake 2024