Some things sour a person,
Make them feel a deep pit inside, acidic and darkly rich
Emotions we’d rather not explore that linger long within one’s soul
So many things can trigger it, different for each
The feeling of being passed over for one less deserving,
Wrongfully convicted of a deed that you didn’t or wouldn’t commit
Daily injustices that pile up, drowning in their constant deluge of racism 
or sexism
 or ableism 
or other
I can always recognize this bitterness, the poison that destroys from within.
 I’ve felt it at times, uncomfortable and grasping, 
a tight hold at the neck, 
nausea in the pit of my stomach.  
Those who live in its grip are withered and ill in spirit 
even if their body is strong. 
This bitterness corrodes inexorably unless cast out,
like an evil spirit via exorcism 
I do my best to shake it off when it emerges, 
with deep breaths and gratitude, 
mostly I succeed
Still, every now and then it tries to raise it’s chartreuse eyes and glower at me, 
daring me to make it leave with the reminder of the past inequalities
And again,
 I take a deep breath and remind myself what I have through joy and love and caring, 
and hear it shriek in defeat,
Quiet until next time