Excelsior And Other Nightmares Poem by Michael Burch

POEMS ABOUT NIGHTMARES

Excelsior
by Michael R. Burch

I lift my eyes and laugh, Excelsior...
Why do you come, wan spirit, heaven-gowned,
complaining that I am no longer 'pure? '

I threw myself before you, and you frowned,
so full of noble chastity, renowned
for leaving maidens maidens. In the dark
I sought love's bright enchantment, but your lips
were stone; my fiery metal drew no spark
to light the cold dominions of your heart.

What realms were ours? What leasehold? And what claim
upon these territories, cold and dark,
do you seek now, pale phantom? Would you light
my heart in death and leave me ashen-white,
as you are white, extinguished by the Night?



Excerpts from the Journal of Dorian Gray
by Michael R. Burch

It was not so much dream, as error;
I lay and felt the creeping terror
of what I had become take hold...

The moon watched, silent, palest gold;
the picture by the mantle watched;
the clock upon the mantle talked,
in halting voice, of minute things...

Twelve strokes like lashes and their stings
scored anthems to my loneliness,
but I have dreamed of what is best,
and I have promised to be good...

Dismembered limbs in vats of wood,
foul acids, and a strangled cry!
I did not care, I watched him die...

Each lovely rose has thorns we miss;
they prick our lips, should we once kiss
their mangled limbs, or think to clasp
their violent beauty. Dream, aghast,
the flower of my loveliness,
this ageless face (for who could guess?) ,
and I will kiss you when I rise...

The patterns of our lives comprise
strange portraits. Mine, I fear,
proved dear indeed... Adieu!
The knife's for you.

Originally published by Dusk & Shiver Magazine