Machine (by the status light)

February 2006

green fades to amber
the warmth of day flees as fast
as the light fades without, the darkness rises within
with desperate frenzy the beast tears
nearer the surface, yet too far
like an errant swimmer trapped beneath the ice
anger trapped by an ancient deal
traded emotion for emotion
traded them all away to maintain the status quo
amber bleeds crimson
all is lost, control is surrendered
the claws of the beast shatter the surface
sinews stretching and grasping in fury
claws tearing at the air, helpless
the icy prison heals itself with alacrity
the claws recede deep within
and the surface quietly smooths
blank and featureless, awaiting further direction
red becomes green
as all signs of the rage pass