All the vices and temptation called menacingly to him.
Through the colorful banners, almost another world,
Where there are no consequences.
What kept him from running to the thrill?
How could he ignore such gaiety?
He stood with a stone face – solid.
Yet no one saw his inside.
His organs melted, his brain screamed,
The familiar sound begged him to return to his vice.
He had promised to leave it.
He had closed the door.
But he could not escape it, for temptation reigned over the earth.
Would this night be different?
Would he escape its hold?
Or would he crawl back to it on his belly?
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Temptation Reigns Over the Earth
by Stephanie Daich
