NOTE FROM THE LIZARD KING: This is a note to all the devout 
Christians who have decided to grace my e-mail inbox with 
all their fun filled reminders that I'm going to die and 
burn in hell for all of eternity. This poem, as far as we 
know, is about GREEK Gods, not the one you believe in. Just
to clarify this so that you can save your precious time 
which might be better spent reflecting upon your own 
religious life *rather* than cyber-thumping me with your 
bible. Thank you for your attention...

The Reluctant God
By Loki

Your raised it.
Birthed it from your skull
like some crazed Athena.
You let it feed
off of your body
and soul
until it became you---
or you became it,
whichever you prefer.
And when you sought
to kill the demon,
and cried for mercy,
and begged the priests
to allow you exorcism;
they politely declined,
preferring you damned.
Pleading to the world
to help free you from possession
the powers turned away
and the hordes tore at you
for wanting to salvage your soul
from the hell you created.
For years you laid
chained to the rock
while vultures picked at your liver
until finally it died.
And Olympus itself ransomed you
from your bonds.
Which sweet goddess was it,
that fed you her blood
to reanimate your beaten corpse?
Do you even know?
Now you sleep alone
without the demon at your side
whispering curses in your ear.
But after ten years of marriage
to the fiend
the people sit and wonder
if you will invite it back again.

Do you have the strength left,
after all this time,
to keep your soul free
should it come back 
asking forgiveness?
Seeking reconciliation
With a gentle smile and bearing gifts,
could you turn your back
on the child you birthed,
taught, raised, and loved?
Or would you open your arms
and cry as you embraced.
And would you allow its fangs
to penetrate your neck
and suck your blood again?
Only you know.
But there are some of us
watching
waiting
hoping
that you will follow the light
you have finally won.
And so desperately deserve.