Beat the Beast

What is grabbing, clawing, gnawing
Crushing, dominating you?
Can you feel it pulling, drawing
You to do what you will rue?

Are the dark, foul elementals
Causing havoc in your life;
Are they driving you quite mental
Causing enmity and strife?

Are you struggling with addictions;
Do you crave your nicotine?
What's your downfall; your affliction -
Gossip, gin or heroine?

Did the demons of delight
Snare you with tainted pleasures?
Perhaps a trouble sprouting sprite
Promised you untold treasures?

What'ver the devil hurls your way
Be it a trick or treat,
Hold on to Jesus Christ and pray
And you will beat the beast!

This poem was a finalist in the November 2016 poetry contest