The Crucible of Strife

By Olivia Merrie Roldant

They dwell in the mind,

Those demons deep within,

Whispers we dare not tell,

Fuelling battles we can't win.

They lurk in darkened corners,

Where light dares not to tread,

Voices like a siren’s weep,

Filling hearts with dread.

Fear, the fiend of the night

With eyes that pierce the soul

Cloaked in shade, out of sight

Yet consuming, taking toll.

Doubt, with its relentless claws

Scratching at our dreams,

Feeding on our deepest flaws

Tearing at the seams.

Anger, fiery and wild

Raging like a storm,

Leaving scars upon the child

Leaving spirits forlorn

But amidst this blackened fray,

Hope’s gentle light can gleam,

Chasing doubts and fears away,

Turning nightmare into dream.

Courage lies within us all,

To face these demons brave,

To heed the inner spirit’s call,

And rise above the grave.

So let us conquer, let us fight

For in the crucible of strife,

Lies the essence of our life

And the place we call our home.

By Olivia Merrie Roldant