This Salvation

By Misha Raj

What should I do with this salvation

that you offer me so gleefully?

Where shall I put this absolution?

That you dangle so tantalisingly

as you lord your own morality

over my unsuspecting head.

Even as your hallowed ground

runs overwhelmingly red.

Shall I cower at your sacred feet

hungrily grasping at the morsels you deign to feed?

Shall I cling to your enlightened ideals

Atone, purify, sacrifice

Devote

my life

to quench

your insatiable gluttony.

How shall I hold onto this holy hope

you’re doling out,

when my palms are overflowing

with the material riches

You claimed you’d need to strengthen my spirit.

Tell me what I should do with my devotion

once I’ve drunk your blessed water

and exchanged my soul

for your silver promises of deliverance.

How shall I find peace

when you’ve sucked me dry

and all that you’ve delivered

is my own demise.

By Misha Raj