Wine and Water (Sonnet)

Of agéd wine I’ve tasted,
its tempting intoxication drawing infatuation
from the innermost depths of this heart before basted
and wasted by the callous, careless hands of elation.
Words describe this experience in truth,
for it goes by the devilish name; lust:
a demon that drags in all and dogs so many of the youth,
making sheep of those naïve ones whom once dared to trust.
Now, so much has been washed away by this water,
clean and pure in its ability to save the weak,
maybe the clarity of love will end the ceaseless slaughter
and give me the rarities and nourishments I seek.
But still, sick memories grasp my every pace
begging for me to return to that persuading place.