by Gabriel Kage

Created on: August 29, 2008

The Ballad of an Ambivalent Soul

A voice I hear inside my head
Its pitch is not my own
What it decrees I do accede
Then later I bemoan.
"Go hence and take that; do not pay
Let lustful feelings fly.
His laws of ten were valid then
But now do not apply."
Desist confounded evil voice
Go back from whence you came!
"Oh your request I do protest
I think I should remain.
I see you seek some higher wealth;

A hand there I can lend.
So let me stay, I have a way
With helping out a friend.
Your neighbor has a pocket deep
He lives there all alone
When he goes out, for but a bout
Must enter you his home."

I shan't do what you ask of me
My values chafe me so.
I will not cheat to make ends meet
Now I insist you go.
"Now look at what the rich man has
Such wealth should spread around.
Take all the gold that you can hold
And quit this little town.
You see my service benefits
Those men who it embrace
I feel quite glad that I am had
And now am in your grace.
But wealth is but the pinnacle
Of what we can achieve.
You still do lust; I think we must
That aspiration ease.
Look on that girl she welcomes you
If you but pay a price.
Your newfound worth can be the birth
Of pleasures very nice.
Two wants we've taken care of now.
Pray tell what else you need.
I will assist with any wish;
Think not I judge on greed."

Please stop you voice of forceful lure;
These longings are my own.
I do not wish that you assist;
Now leave me quite alone.
"You still protest, how noble sir.
Do not think that will do.
For I impart into your heart,
And I am part of you.
You think by saying leave me now,
Imploring I desert,
That I will serve your quaking word
And easily convert?
Well let me say that is not so;
This time we shall have fun.
For as you breathe desires seethe,
And I see every one.
I notice that you want your fame,
One better I can do.
For infamy is what I see
That better will suit you.
But how should we attain it now?
Abduction seems quite well.
Go give that boy a little toy,
And he will not repel.
Go steal him from his mother's arms;
Snatch more, take fame uncouth.
Your name will chill and headlines fill:
Abductor of sweet youth."

I'd sooner die than find my fame
by actions you prescribe.
"If that is true, that's what we'll do
Take fame from suicide."
Now this has gone quite far enough;
I can't resist alone.
Conscience please, I'm on my knees;
I beg of you to come.
"My death is not to happen here.
There will not be a try.
My life won't end, instead I send
You out; it's you who'll die."
What is this strength that you have found?
You seek not my advice.
My force is drained, and you have maimed
My power to entice.
"The strength found in my conscience here
Is sturdier than thee.
Now cease to speak, for you are weak,
And soon I shall be free!
Before you go I have to say
The evil serpent would
Be quite ashamed to say your name.
Now quit my soul for good.
To heaven I shall always look
And hold this light I've found.
I shan't look twice upon the vice
That slithers on the ground."

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