Converting a Foe

'Twas a hole of profound depth

In which I found my foe.

Such shadows that hid him,

Just to keep me from walking away.

The echoes came before the rain

An added reason not to help the pain.

Each I agree was thirsty for the other's blood,

Then why stand, and not escape the flood?

Getting rid of trouble, was it itself;

Had he been me, he would've saved himself.

A childish reaction, to expect

Him to tell me not to infect,

That he would rather rot

Than freedom from an enemy bought.

The rain chilled me,

And sank him up to knee.

The silence and shadows fought in my head,

Trying to convince me that he'd be dead.

Knowing that inaction would lay a wreath,

It seemed like conspiring with Death.

Searching at last for the needed tools,

To pluck him out and thwart the fools.

Pulling out the weight between,

The time the evening took to lose its sheen.

Inch by inch, brick by brick,

Deconstructing that which made us sick.

Rising from the shadows -

Watered by the rain's throes,

Came the enemy, and then a friend,

Into the light, and out of the shadows' bend.

Unfurling the fabric of peace,

Walking on, and walking away.

The barrier finally broken,

To build a bridge between.

The rope was frayed,

Neglect ripped it apart.

Now of iron, forged,

The bond was built to last.