Aria

I refuse to harm
Instead I am singing
Verdi, Handel, Gershwin, Sexsmith
Whatever it takes
To keep others safe
I slay the monster
With an aria
Instead of a blade
Paint away the pain
The timbre taints the air
A prayer sent to old gods
Gods of sound and soul
My penance is my song
My voice bleeds freely
In exquisite anguish
Like my flesh but sweeter
Honeyed whiskey
It warms and numbs
Hypnotises and stings
This is what it takes
To remain in the world
I dare not stop singing