Wrestling with the Devil

An allegory of good vs. evil, which both lie within us.

He was staying with a friend in Transylvania.

When he decided to join in WrestleMania.

He picked the lock and released the latch.

That was the start of a grueling, grudge match.

The arena went dark, as he entered the ring.

That's when he screamed, "Let's do this thing!"

When I climbed in, I brought a spot light.

A lifetime spent trying to do what is right.

He waited for this showdown for a very long time.

A battle of words that included some rhyme.

He was wearing a mask and a black velvet cape.

He cornered me quickly, so I could not escape.

He started out strongly, hammering me with sin.

The large crowd cheered, believing that I could not win.

He twisted the words that I had to say.

The foul referee looked the other way.

He bloodied my head with a crown of thorns.

I matched that move, as I pulled out his horns.

He confused my thoughts in the dizzying turnbuckle.

He watched, as I staggered, and smirked with a chuckle.

I relied on faith and fought back with truth.

A smack to the mouth knocked out his front tooth.

I told him God loved me as I jumped from the top rope.

He countered with lies, subduing all chances of hope.

I wanted a fair match with no controversy.

I twisted his ankle as he begged for mercy.

He finally relented and tapped out.

The Devil had lost this wrestling bout.

He said that I had cheated and demanded a vote.

It could not be overturned by a lying turncoat.

He said he'd be back another day.

I rebuked, "Go to Hell"; that's all I had to say.

When the smoke had cleared, I placed my trophy on a shelf.

I hadn't fought the Devil ...

... I had wrestled myself ...

Reviews

[Tony Jordan]

Love anything like this. It's a bit like Chris DeBergs tale of a similiar bent which takes place on a train - only this is a modern take and includes a popular spectator sport which therefore makes it likely to appeal to a wider audience not to mention throwing up some great visuals for all.
I loved how the ref turned a blind eye - haha - old Nick definitely has him in his pocket.
I like the story and how you told it and the message behind it. All in all an enjoyable piece Pete.

[Pete]

i really appreciate your comments because you don't miss a thing. most would not catch the meaning behind the ref but you get it. awesome review. ty Tony. appreciated.

[TerryDarcy-Ryan akaSh..]

Pete this was very entertaining. Great rhymne and rhytmn. Your visuals are strong. I could picture this scene playing itself out even when it became you at the end. Beautiful twist. Well done.

[Pete]

thanks Sheer. appreciate your thoughts and your time for the read! :)

[Dr. Wood ?]

ah..very satisfying conclusion to an interesting tale

[Pete]

thanks Dr. W. we live to fight another day!

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Pete,
"Wrestling with the Devil" Your poem was very meaningful to me as it gives a theme to the inner struggle of my soul. At times I believe we all do battle down deep inside where we truly live. It is a battle that is with the needs and unmet desires not realized and how they happened many times. This lovely and thoughtful poem was so great!

[Pete]

thank you Kathy. you explained the struggle so well. glad it spoke to you!

[Robert Haigh]

An interesting and entertaining poetic allegory! We all have to wrestle with the devil I think!

[Pete]

thank you so much for sharing thoughts Robert. yes, we all wrestle. hopefully the 'light' prevails ... best regards.

[Sami Khalil]

The eternal story of good vs. evil. God vs. the devil and his cohorts. I like how you mix the seriousness of our situation as humans( or dilemma if I may call it that) with some good fighting humor where it shows confidence in the outcome of the battle. Good will win in the end and that is a fact...Excellent, sir...:)................

[Pete]

thank you Sami. great thoughts ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)..................

[KBW]

This truly made me smile. Very good work and all I can say is God is Good, All the time. Thank you for sharing this interesting and hopefully faith driven spiritual piece. Picture also goes perfectly with it! Kudos

[Pete]

thank you KBW. yes, he is good all the time and i know it. faith driven for certain beyond mere words. :)

[KBW]

I struggle with a lot of issues personal and mentally however do my best to never lose faith. Without faith we truly have nothing. Really think about it. Without faith, there is no hope. Without hope what is life?

[Pete]

He has been so faithful to me i can't even begin. I praise him but sometimes it is difficult with life. couldn't make it without faith for sure. now, everyday when I wake, i remind myself and put my day in his hands and i am never disappointed! blessings to you friend. :)

[KBW]

Same to you my friend. Stay strong and faithful and I'll continue to do the best i can myself

[Pete]

stick with him and you will never go wrong, i guarantee it! i owe you a read and will visit very soon ...

[KBW]

Thanks again hun. Keep up the good work!

[andrew mitchell]

Nice story Pete which begs the question what if the Devil isn't ugly at all as we all depict him to be? We have this contrast but no one has seen the Devil and you know where all the bad girls are going and most are good looking! lol

[Pete]

that's a very interesting thought. you have me thinking. doesn't matter, i guess they'd be "wearing Prada". he is a crafty one as they say. he can even be a serpent tempting with apples! lol