one in the same

clawing its way through
your heart’s defenses
it is a fearsome, majestic lion
it rips,
it pulls,
it tears apart
the walls you have so carefully constructed;
like a fresh piece of meat.
baring its angry teeth at you,
scaring you

lurking in dark recesses of your heart and mind
sneaking up behind you
in moments of weakness
staring you in the face
are you
bigger? physically stronger?
no.

but you can face it
you will be the slayer,
the embracer
of the creature
standing before you
no matter how sly or stealthy
he becomes
no matter how evil or beautiful
he appears
you will conquer him
portrayer of love and fear.