Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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.


3 comments:

  1. What an excellent poem. They struck me as being anti-love poems. The imagery is similar to usual love poems but in rejection, repulsing the seducer. Impressive work. Thank you. Gay

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  2. powerful words... your blog here is intriguing. thanks so much for linking up today!

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  3. Thank you both very much! You're very generous. :)

    -Dan H.

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