Lady in Black

Shifting memories come unfurled,

shadows of a distant world.

Vibrant landscapes, lush with hue,

unmarred by truthful point of view.

Ethereal braids of Night, come uncoiled

as I find myself alone upon the supple soil.

Her voice enchants the tranquil sphere;

the dulcet melody's faint caress, silk upon my ear.

Star-laced Night and her mysterious smile

clad in a sleek black dress keen to beguile.

Writhing, whirling upon an astral stage so bright,

dancing till the morning light.

Moonlight takes me by the hand

though mist and fog engulf the land.

Feral shrieks ripple through the trees

as ravens dart along a frigid breeze.

Yet on I press, this path alone.

To Night, tonight, onward I roam.

Past endless wilds, desperate to endure,

forest turns to ocean dazzling and chaos-pure.

Heedless I approach, driven and sore,

bare feet sinking deep into the pearly shore.

My gaze drifts aloft, and there Her eyes find mine.

A lone wanderer and sirenic Night - wretched and Divine.

My heart stilled by awe, a fact she must surely enjoy,

sovereign lady in black, ever-playing coy.

The thought dissolves as Her form draws close

"Of all my suitors, you intrigue me the most."

Before I can reply, though, a most-unwelcome guest intrudes,

The horizon emblazoned in radiant fire - Dawn's prelude.

Now tonight I lay and through somber window stare,

stricken down by this evil curse I am doomed to bear,

pinned beneath this blanket, my straight jacket.

Scorned by capricious sleep, the wistful poet,

weaving together gentle words with concepts complex,

thoughts oblique, and emotions who live only to vex.

So as my heart yearns longingly for the stars

Night, my queen, I beseech thee from impossibly afar.

Please, come again and sing for me, and with your voice

release these mortal bonds that restrain my peace.

And my soul, to you, will soar away

To share our astral stage again till Dawn's accursed day.

Reviews

[The Iron Horseman]

Very nice. Beautiful imagery, although the rhyming scheme is a little tortured. I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Nolo Segundo]

beautiful, beautiful...it is song come alive

[Sazaku]

Music is a strong inspiration for a lot of my work, so I always try to give my poems a melodious quality to them. Not that it always works, especially for longer pieces or more contrived rhyme setups, but I try. It's particularly rewarding to know when that extra effort comes through to someone.