When the Devil Comes a Knocking

When the devil comes a knocking,

Knocking on your door,

Hide away like you’ve done,

So many times before.

Bolt the latch and shut the windows,

Snuff the candle glow,

Hold your breath and pray he leaves,

Before he comes to know.

He has walked the road of sinners,

With their ashes on his tongue,

Whispering every heinous sin,

Since time itself was young.

You think he comes for others,

Like the faithless or the wild,

But the devil keeps a ledger, love,

And your name is neatly filed.

He will call to you so softly,

Like your parent or a friend,

And every word he offers,

Feels like warmth that will not end.

When the silence stretches onwards,

And your courage starts to fade,

You will find the door wide open,

And wonder who obeyed.

Now, when the devil comes a knocking,

He does not knock at all.

He is waiting in the shadows...

Inside your very hall.

By E. M. Page