Poisoned

Poisoned arrows
Point at me,
Everybody holds a bow.
All gripped with tension and dark intention,
Ready to release.

I call the arrows to me.
I listen as they whistle past my ears.
I buckle as they break my skin
And pierce my flesh.

The poison penetrates,
Contaminates,
I’m weakened.

Cowards creep from shadows
To spit their venom in my open eyes,
To watch me die.

I rise.
I plunge my hand into my chest and seize my heart.
I hold it to the light
And there I see
Black blotches.

I rip them out.
I purge the poison and the perpetrators.
I throw them to the floor.
I watch them wither.
I walk away.