the beating heart

the beating heart

the beating heart does not slow threatening to explode
rapid breaths in shallow gasps escaping burning lungs
a mind elusive dodging the blow as all thoughts erode
climbing a ladder fingers clasp at last to top the rungs
as blinking eyes betray truth an unfocused shifting gaze
flickering between each sight yet unable to meet stares
guilt admitted needs no proof adrift upon the lusty haze
scatter about in vivid fright as if in life filled with cares
a shrilling chime fills the ears over a back beating bass
toneless and ringing loud still silent to all that outside
sound cannot conceal fears nor bring on saving grace
stand alone with head bowed dripping with tears cried
minutes to rest and recover as the devil rises once more
still impossible to discover why this evil opens the door