It wraps us.
Like a red velvet ribbon.
Like a taught cord.
It's feathery shackles wearing scars on flesh.

The warmth of it fills us.
Consoles us.
Soothes us.
Then burns us to the point of agony.

It is the highest peak.
It is the lowest valley.
It is where no one dares to thread.
But where all must eventually go.

The sweet aroma of it caresses us,
Lifting our heart,
Only to drop us upon jagged rocks,
To spasm and wish for end.

But as the darkness falls around us,
There is a light that shines.
Beaming from the depth.
A purest light of singing, artful beauty.

Yes, with light comes shadows.
An inky shade that hides a deluded creature,
Whose gaping mouth reveals harsh, rough teeth.
Still littered with tattered, torn flesh.

This hungry creature needs the light.
Without light, there is no shadow to hide.
Nor hope to wish for.
And so, we keep the light in our eyes.

We draw closer to the light now.
Even though the beast might strike at us.
Even though we feel the breath of the creature on out neck.
We move ever closer, so we might be touched by the light again.

And allow it to wrap its velvety ribbon around us once more.