O’ torturous gaze of Eternity!
Laughing
Mocking
Jeering
Caustic

O’ crushing weight of Existence!
Haunting
Harrowing
Hallowed
Holy

Perfidious lover, a specter in the night
Duplicitous and double-minded,
Does she engross you with her
Leers, perfumes, and spells.

A toxic brew, a sacred stew:
Drink up, fair one
Eat your medicine!
Take your potion, beautiful boy.

For night has descended, and crooked
Shadows cast their umbras, taunting and long—
With no end in sight.

This poem is published in “Midnight Masquerade,” Wingless Dreamer Publisher (November 19, 2024): 60-61.