You came to me tonight under the guise of a friend.  Did you believe for a second I wouldn’t recognize you?  You were once my best friend, as close and as intimate as any lover could be.  You, for a time, filled every breath I took; your spirit pumped through my veins with every beat of my heart.  You were always there with a warm embrace in the darkest moments my soul has known.  When I felt lonely, you were there - waiting with an outstretched hand.
   You may well be a master of disguises, but you are still who you are no matter what mask you may be wearing, I had to look you squarely in the face, to smell your essence, and to hear your siren voice calling to me.  I had to reach out and touch you before I knew you for who you were.  This time I discerned your true self before you got to me, and I had he strength to say, “No.”
       I will let you be here – at an arm’s length for a while – only as long as I need to fully refresh my memory of how deceptive you are, so I may more readily recognize you when you next come for me.   
   You are the fruit of the Tree of Ignorance – your name is Fear