That Which Resides

It lurks in the hearts of all men,
Forbidden and tempting desire,
Corrupting each man and boy,
Compelled by strange burning fire,

A waiting darkness that slumbers within,
Erupting, it shatters the peace,
Permitting emotions unfettered reign,
It strikes and consumes without cease,

The darkest of dreams may escape,
From even the strongest of wills,
Man, woman, child, all are victims,
To an inky dread blackness that spills,

The wild black void has command,
Committing the direst of sins,
Unlike the sagas of heroes,
Evil is destined to win,

Some men return to their senses,
Some even find shreds of remorse,
Others careen recklessly on,
Lost astride evil’s dark horse,

Some are brought before justice,
Others escape their just fate,
Both judged and the free must eventually face,
The passage through Hades’ dark gate.