by Brian Matthew Kessler (a.k.a. Bholanath)
© 2002
Why is it that you look so adoringly upon
the one who is so obviously determined
to poison you and destroy you?
Do you not see the selfishness and avarice
in his eyes?
Such a beauty as you could have anyone,
but yet you offer yourself only
to the harvester of your death.
Do you think you’ll get him to shed his scales?
In time he may, but it will not be for you
and you’ll only be vitriol for a Greater Beast.
I see the dagger by your side.
But is it in you to use it?
Use it at all?
Even, and especially, upon him?
Do you prepare for a betrayal?
Or prepare to be betrayed?
Or do you merely like to pretend preparations?
And do you believe your own lies?
You show the world what you rightfully believe
the world wants to see:
Your beauty.
Your strength.
And you pretend that your ready to bear all.
But I see a pain behind those eyes.
You flirt with Death because you are ready by his embrace.
You turn to him because it is life you turn away from.
What is here for you?
Who is here for you?
And why can it never be enough?
* Inspired by the beloved muse Madame X and by Boris Vallejo’s pencil drawing for James Bond: “Never Say Never Again”. [Return]