even as he sleeps

physical joy is denied

turned away

all flesh exposed

only dreams to caress 

rooted to his nighttime song

to fly away without any residue of warmth

and in sleep he dances alone

no one resting beside him 

this way has been chosen

embracing those chimeras like a toreador 

kissing the muse of his imagination

for any fires must burn elsewhere

until the final flames 

exhaust his soul

for death is the most deliberate dying of all

    gulping down the heart’s blood  

gleaning what was life’s magic

only then is he left to strangle his power

with his own hands

grasping for any remaining resolve to not lose his will

exhorting any remaining struggle to fill the void

forged in place of Eros

6/21/80

Bisbee