Bitterweed Poem by Barry Middleton

I had to shun the bitterweed
that held the poison in its seed

others had to try it
it does not kill the body
it only kills the spirit of the soul

my fears protected me
that trip could not be free

others had to try it
it won't let them forget it
it cruelly kills the spirit of the soul

someone had to reap it
the heart can only keep it

others had to buy it
much to their regret
it just killed the spirit of their soul

one taste can stay forever
bitterweed is clever

but still they have to try it
it does not kill the body
it only kills the spirit of the soul