Denying Entrance to Two Demons On Separate Nights

The threshold you are tempting toward,

though but a way without a door, it is not for you!

You have been invited here, but there was a set place,

a set time: when I suffered.

Where were you then?

You are too late; your plate is washed and dried,

your chair pushed in, your bed fulfilled.

I am asleep now.  In the morning light, whom will I love?

Go away, little thing.

Take your dreams and cool night sweats,

your too-large voice, into the bottomless long avenue

of you, your coming too late to me.

My lover holds me, resting.

The doorway without door is shut.

*

I know the things you show are enticing, but your very appearance

repulses me like a sermon from the lips of a hypocrite,

like promises from a drunkard's mouth.

I have nothing to do with your hellfire!

Burn some other bright place dark as windswept ashes.

I have left your flame, scarred over,

healed without you.

I will not play your riddles,

you are too weak an instrument

for my ancient tune.