Doubt is the poison of deceit

It’s lingering influence may repeat

The sense that what’s impending is defeat

Distrust, like a snake bite, paralyzing head to feet

Grief is the poison of despair

It reminds us of what’s lost, what’s left unfair

The sense of what is gone that we can’t bear

Sorrow, like a veiled mourner, covers our heavy wear

Anger is the poison of injury, of pain

It’s when injustice and impatience come to reign

The indignation, frustration and resentment we gain

Outrageous, oppressive, its fury makes us insane

Fear is the poison of feeling insecure

It festers as worry, anxiety, phobia, difficult to endure

The overwhelm, the unknown, the hateful, the impure

It thrives in darkness; loving light is its only cure

Yes, love is the antidote for all these ills and ails

It inoculates, immunizes, invigorates where others fail

The venoms of deceit, despair, terror, and misfortune pale

Diluted, dissipated, its power deflated; love overcomes, no matter what fortune assails.

Love is compassion, gratitude, joy, and forgiveness; its courage lightens, sweetens all our bitter bales.