Week Six Poem: Tea with Demons

Tea  with Demons

Ambushed by

Ghostly demons thought long beaten

A warrior Goddess

Licks the wounds of ancient battles,

Forgetting they are healed-over

No longer bleeding.

Unable to muster the strength

to push aside these

Legions she herself has armed with careful cultivation;

The products of love denied—

She is broken.

An ally comes to aid, holds her hand, dries her tears,

And lifts her chin so she may see the stars,

And gently suggests Surrender

 As a path to Peace.

“No reason to fear.” She says.

“Have faith.

Pin Hope to a white flag and wave it high!

What do you have to lose?”

Have tea with the demons? Give up the fight?

These abandoned children of an aching heart are hungry

They will swallow her whole.

But she is already consumed.

What does she have to lose?

And whom does she suppose is losing?

The Warrior Goddess bravely sets the table

And feeds them on the good china

Discuss the details of surrender…

Love without condition.

Faith – not fear.

Live in Truth.

Brew up Compassion Tea,

Pour into a cup and pass it round;

Drink deeply.

Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.

Compassion Tea to toast the terms  

The demons are undone by love

Their teeth pulled out and harmless

Embattled yet victorious

A warrioress emerges

Whole again, marching on,

Sentinels now alerted

To the demons who would come raiding

“Fear not!” the Goddess cries. “I have what you want.”

Compassion Tea in a painted cup,

A potion to quell their thirsting.