the wolf came quietly
not announcing
his presence
slowly pressing
strong paw against my windpipe
at first, barely perceptible
slow increase
harder to breathe
harder to think
the voice of self
droning on
self-focus
self-reliance
prone to leave
prone to chaos
prone to self-destruct
louder
incessant
grating
the wolf saw opportunity
came close
closed in
in those close
the voice of close folks
I listened
heard
believed
darkness once at bay
came close
the wolf was near
breath on my neck
down my neck
circling me
waiting
I was far
far away
in my thoughts
taken captive
to the lie
I was his prey
he was stalking
closing in
thoughts scattered
falling through holes
like water through a sieve
I couldn’t make them obey
Christ
my strength was waning
my thoughts were cloudy
the self voice was shouting
darkness was closing in
so hard to keep my head up
so tired
I wanted peace
“Help me, Jesus!”
wolf banished
obliterated
darkness shattered
peace restored
Copyright MaryBeth Mullin 2022
Rooted and Grounded 