A Darkness

by G. H. Smith

A darkness lies within us,
which is the driving force of the world.

It is darker than the hour before dawn,
yet without it, there would be no light.

It brings us to the brink of destruction,
yet we dare not oppose it.

It knows our thoughts,
and can easily outwit us.

It must, but cannot be contained.

To make peace with it,
you must bare your heart,

rebel and surrender in the same breath,
be both appalled and awed.

Remember it is yourself from whom
you must first seek salvation,

your cowering and exalted self,
eternally divided and unresolved.