The devil came
His bright wings flitting
To my washing line
While I was hanging
Out my sins to dry.
He asked me slowly
With perfect melody
What the future
Today might bring.
I had nothing
My only offering
Was my shame
For my heart’s poverty,
For having stolen time.
From my family.
The choice is yours
He said so cheerfully.
You can give it back now.
Then he plunged his hand
Deep into my chest
And squeezed my heart
Until I had nothing left.
He squeezed out the guilt,
He squeezed out the pain,
He squeezed again
Until he squeezed out the shame.
He asked once more what
This day might bring.
I told him here and now,
I love my friends and family.