Gods of the unknown

I have lingered through the dark.

Like a fearless stag, I walk.

To a land I have heard of ,

To a mystery I am pertained.

To an unknown source I strengthen.

They tell me I am good for them .

Good for their success.

But in real life I am but an object

Object of sacrifice to the god of the unknown.

They use my parts for rituals .

Saying I consist the perfect matter,

I entangled with them in this dance of a worthless battle.

I know I am right and they wrong .

But they say they have a god ,

A god who redeems .

Putting my beliefs to dormancy.

They dominate my body .

Crawling to my soul.

There I die of worthlessness.

I die of shame .

There I die in bondage .

I die in shame .

Fear has clouded me because I have borne out my unknown before them.

Now they use my pain , grief and secrets to haunt and taunt me .

But I have seen shame and disgust ,

And they look alike .

I have seen a light that gave me hope .

I remembered where I fell and took back my bearing .

My virtue is oppressed.

My vice deemed triumphant.

But now I know better .

I will live to love .

I will live for hope .

I don't set out to fail.

I will rise from shame .

Because I have died and known the harmful.

Poetry by: Nobler Ayeh

                   (Staff writer)