Darkness

By Mandy Mui

Darkness arrives, the lonely of the heart
Emptiness which is felt, hollow of the soul
Nights become days, loneliness bestows
Nightly routine of intoxicants intake

Enter the bars, gathering of the dark souls
If one is to know of hell, of that below
Of the vices that occur in life
The chosen route, when one is unwise

Amongst foes, though think they are friends
Who encourages consumption of intoxicants till the end
Unable to distinguish friends from foes
Whispering of the poison speech, wrong path to be sold

Invasion of clear mind, clouds with confusion
Temporary happiness as alcohol and drugs seep in
Contentment is felt, or that of hallucination
Swift departure as arrival, happiness vanishes once again

Cheering sounds portray near, yet distant
Body collapses, hair upheaval, control is lost instantly
Loss of right speech, thus follow wrong actions
Cannot focus or think, far too many distractions

Slumps on floor, where the body rests
Thinking and sense that it is a bed,
Late next day, before could be awakened
Waste of a day, now it is too late

Body worn out, aging of late nights
This path must be a mistake, now it is bright
For one is awakened by teachings of Buddha
Cease this lifestyle that one must do

Stop the intoxicants intake, and focus on the mind
Happiness is within oneself, not substances
Awaken and learn that happiness is in the mind
Pure contentment one would then find