I am forbidden to love.

My mistakes haunt me with orbs of mockery where eyes should be. My lusts taunt me with barbed tentacles piercing my naval and pulling me ever onward - no turning back, no turning back. My love is directed at demons transformed to look like angels, turning my flames of passion into fires of torment.

I tell myself it's not worth it. I convince myself I don't need it. I swear to myself I've been blindsided one too many times. And I find myself stashing treasonous hopes behind bookshelves and under beds.

I am cursed to be caught in this violent torture of hope.