Doubtless Orpheus? (Embellished emotions as a Greek dramatist)
The vague, the vast, the vehement vat!
This sinking boy needs your mermaid’s breath!
You taste like peach and lavender winds…
—-let my mouth dry out if I ne’er taste you again!
Let me be mute! No more minstrel or bard.
Without stories of you, I have a speechless heart.
My harp will weep so wan, the willows be concerned.
Autumn will be year-round—- except for in winter…
I’ll gouge my eyes,
stare to the sky
as an ice sculpture.
Collect snowflakes
as tears-in-wait
in the holes I bore.
And when I thaw
in endless fall,
they’ll be what I cry:
the melting frost
of a woman lost
and a man too dumb to die.
Wait…
Dearest Birdfish, are you in the mist, swimming in the river Styx?
Dearest mermaid, are you in the maze, or an entree on Hades’ plate?
Then, call me Orpheus to your Eurydice!
I’ll play passed the guards and gain entry!
I’ll paddle the river, climb molten and rock.
You’re bound by miles, my will can unlock!
I’ll deal with that devil, we’ll flee towards the sun.
But I dare not look back, for doubt is wanton…
I will pull you to Earth, away from Jupiter and Mars.
This planet’s not too big or small when we’re safe in our arms.
But…
Dear share-care shovel, is this all just drivel? I feel as useless as a thimble.
Dearest sunshine, am I still thine? I’m cold as Pluto—-won’t you show me a sign?
Silly seamstress, blow me a kiss? Sew our paths together ‘tween twists?
Gentle gypsy, you’re Home to me. Let us both be co-pilots on this journey?
