Shadows of the Pew

is there still something corrupt in your soul?
the most vivid memory of this child you raised
is being choked and throttled by someone as-if possessed
who returned, later, angelic and the opposite

still remember the time i tried to fight back
you just smiled and fought back harder

i was the conduit for your anger
how were you hurt like this too?
i can see how much you were hurt,
how much you still have to heal

heal knowing

my love is always strong,
but remember for ignorance i cannot stand,
and my brilliance you suppressed
with your ignorance

your lord you told me
was so alive
took me to church
then manhandled me
in the shadows of the pew

i know someone was doing it to you
but why did you do it to me, too?

your lord is one who always forgives,
and i am kin in that notion.
but first you must forgive yourself.
repent this corrupt inside you,
that eats away the life

it dwells in the shadows,
the shadows of the pew
bidden in ignorance
tears your heart in two