The Monologue Of The Vampire Who Changed His Name To Dorian Gray Poem by John Duffy

The Vampire who changed his name to Dorian Gray

(A lone voice whispers)


I've seen crazy things
Mortal man should never see

Done and experienced acts of such depravity in candle lit

Incense filled bedrooms
And chambers

Secrets
I'll take when I'm called to the tomb

Sailed in slow-moving ships and endless

Wet hips around the world

Not just in this
My present life

But many more
Past lives

Entered dark places of depravity

Straight ones wouldn't enter or drink in

Fearing the call of serving the Countess of all Sin

For eternity

But now I feel Death wanting to take this life alongside all I love

For I feel him looking in my secret scrying mirror

Smiling like Michael Angelo with his bony hands by his side

Tapping in rhythm
The Marching Days Are Over

But with my silent heart now asking

Was it worth it
All that excessiveness and scandal

As we sit on this last mountain of Goodbyes

Not feeling the warmth of this purple-repentance candle

On my cold and calculating mind

Her bright light
The one from so long ago

Strikes my amygdala
Like an arrow fired by Sitting Bull

From an acute angle
Deep into my skull

And as her sweet memories fill my immortal cup
From my first love

I know why I won't accept Deaths offer and be culled

For to drink all that this life and future lives offers

I'll take everything in her memory and will never stop

As I wade knee-deep
Through its fast flowing waters

Looking for more lambs
Ready to slaughter

(C)
Copyright John Duffy