I am the goddess of suffering.
Into my arms you collapse and my flaming locks
desiccate your tears and scorch your cheeks.
I am the darkness that rots all living things around us;
One word from you
and your world shall be putrid, stinking mire,
dragging at our ankles, sucking us into its rancid bloated belly.
Into my arms you collapse and I take you, newborn and raw,
and I am your only comfort. My fingernails scratch away
your sin and your regret until you are no more than bleeding flesh.
Under my petticoats you find wretched love
soaked in your tears and the stench permeates your dreams.
Dreams of screaming horses and smouldering hair and
when you wake, my kisses eat your fear.
I am the goddess of suffering and
I am your salvation.