Love Me from a Distance

Alluring Beauty,

Love me from a distance, for I'm a poet.

Do you know how I squeeze life into words?

I grasp my soul–

to pour your being into a poem

pick up pieces of my broken life.

I walk alone in desolate tracks, a broken shell.

Hiding the smell of death

I eat my demise for lunch

and pour it into a dish for dinner.

Do you know how I create lyrics for you?

I perceive–

to dance with souls of poets

ignored in life and adored in death.

I starve for rhymes at their graves

and search for meanings buried in me.

Do you know what it is to starve?

I feel–

to chase a bluebird

with crippled fingers ; and clouds for vision

shimmering feathers dulled to teal smudges.

I cry at night, bowed before my muse’s feet

silent screams ripping the sky.

The ethereal bird laughs and sings

Go enjoy your constipated world.

I’m man-bitten

there is no Helen of Troy in my poisoned life

I walk on the fire.

For paltry sums I signed a contract with Lucifer,

starting with damnation and no “Consummatum est.”

You would be misplaced in my private whirlwind

I don't want to lose you.

So, save your flowers.

Come when I'm in grave;

I'll rise up to kiss you.