Green Jealousy Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

It happens in an instant
and none can understand
that poison arrow piercing
what raptured love has fanned

The eyes begin to water
the heart pounds through the chest
the fevered brain stops thinking
blind rage the soul arrests

Who can withstand the power
of jealousy's green bile
who walks away undamaged
when love has been defiled

Of all the strong emotions
who can compare the wound
inflicted by a lover
when trust has been harpooned

It may have gone unnoticed
by people walking by
but eyes of one so tarnished
can not pretend or lie

The irises and teardrops
that try to veil the pain
can never hide the horror
as sanity is drained

Who is so strong and balanced
who can resist the force
of overwhelming anger
and set a wiser course

Is there a pain more searing
is there a blow more harsh
has anyone avoided
the slimy jealous marsh?