This ever impressive obstacle looms before me
projecting yet obtuse
commanding yet servile
its presence a paradox to conscientious thought
its mission a challenge
to the best of minds
its shape constant yet ever changing.

At times the best of friends
at others a dangerous foe
its contradiction has no boundaries
its altering image as diverse as a chameleon.
To eliminate justice might be its motive
but the motto it displays
references revenge to the controlling elite.

The obstacle hovers above me like an alterego
its twosidedness a mystery to my soul.
By day it befriends me
at night, a betrayer.
It enters my inner consciousness stealthily
scanning my innermost secrets
sabotaging my deepest fears
instilling its will upon me like a siren.

The danger is ever present
the obstacle is like a wall without pieces.
I awake at night chilled and circumcised
perplexed by the peculiarity of it all
inspired by the challenge it creates.

Copyright, 1996, by J. Matthew Waters
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