The New Occult

By Michelle Vongkaysone

I finally escaped them, after a lifetime’s bondage.

They were of the new occult, blindly optimistic for salvation.

Our beliefs were fundamental, mandated by our given prophet.

Rules and stigma suffocated us, all under the pretense of purity.

Under them, some prospered, while many more suffered and fell.

Families struggled and resentment grew.

Doubt and bitterness broke me.

I left, only to be abandoned by my kin in turn.

Even so, my bitterness has lessened.

I know to fight the real enemy now.

The one which consumes and harms, instead of enlightens.

It takes many guises.

But mine bore a cross.