The Portal

That night on which the portal opened,
that night it was allowed.
No judgment on me, to be set free
from the chains that weighed me down.

Years in the making, time for the taking,
I was a reaper come to call.
Trick-or-treat, I was so discrete,
the shadow of a cat across the wall.

Substances and circumstance,
candy wrappers and fentanyl,
an offering served, much deserved,
in an “accidental” pill.

Masked transaction, the deal was done,
do what thou wilt and come what may.
A discarded costume, a random alley,
and I was on my way.

That night on which the portal opened,
you and I were both released,
a bat in the wind and a one-time friend,
a leaden weight and an alchemist.