a snake and a bear

i fear the truth

and the power it holds;

so i cushion it with lies

fill fear with content like a stuffed bear

that bear is with me every night

never unkind or withering away

a shield against-

but i feel it moving

inside the bears belly slithering

like a snake- poising slowly

the bear can’t hold on

only on the cold nights but the others

when the bear isn’t enough

the snake runs wild and strangles

as i sleep –

as i sleep