Succumbing to Serpents

I reached for you—-
 panicked 
  like a man sinking beneath quicksand

I lashed out in pain
no better than a wounded animal
yet trusting by virtue of
your steadfast compassion
you’d see my anger for the sorrow it was

Instead, like a viper you struck
fangs pierced my mind
venom snuffed out my tiny flame of hope
for human connection in
this reeking, mental miasma

I’d been there for you so many times
you’d needed a friend

Yet you left me to sink
    Alone
into myself
clutching my snake bite
in utter disbelief
    and despair

I survived—-
my belief in your love did not