Poem #26: Everyday Sins

Different blades scratch my skin everyday.

So far there has been

a blade of steel that ripped through my stomach,

a knife of iron that kissed my thigh,

a dagger of bronze that grazed my cheek,

a scythe of silver that cut my arm,

a scimitar of ivory that pierced my collar,

a machete of copper that nipped my ankle,

and a sword of gold that stabbed my heart.

On the first day I was plagued by gluttony,

on the second day, lust,

on the third, envy,

on the fourth, greed,

on the fifth, wrath,

on the sixth, sloth,

and on the seventh, pride.

The blades continue to hack at my body.

Everyday they take their turn,

they take their time,

to cause me as much pain as they can.

Sometimes I mistake them for

hunger,

love,

competition,

need,

justice,

relaxation,

and joy.

It is a wonder they are called

the seven deadly sins

because the pain they cause me will be fatal,

of that I have no doubt.