Crimson Skies
Cloistered away, immune to desire’s silent tread
I while away the hours until my time has come
Suffocating in the stillness that is normal to some
I count the seconds, eyes fixed straight ahead
Sit so still even I start to believe that I’m dead
Huddled in a corner and filled with ancient fright
I cannot discern between what’s wrong and right
But hope is never completely out of my reach
I know I’ll be forgiven just this one more breech
Trembling with eager anticipation taking hold
I now feel neither thirst nor terror nor cold
With the first sliver of light and a bird’s screech
I am on my knees, ever so ready to beseech
Knowing deep down that it’s not meant to be
I still long for this message heaven-sent to me
As I sense the world prepare for nightly rest
I gather wit and strength for my eternal quest
I fasten my gaze on the window so close yet far
Unsteady hand rising to brush over my latest scar
Unable to contain my deadly wish for one look
I am ready to forget the toll it always took
The thick curtain ahead beckons like a long-lost love
And I stumble towards what I won’t be deprived of
The fiercest predator in the pitch black night
I am reduced to a shivering mess by the light
But sunset’s temptation is a call I will heed
Its fiery spectacle a colour therapy I need
I tug at the curtain to reveal the crimson skies
And delight mingles with pain and helpless cries
While I feast my eyes on its many-hued passion
I know that the sunlight will hold no compassion
The crimson sky spangled with orange and gold
Is a mysterious miracle that I should not behold
And while a sliver of light slices through my skin
I am certain it is worth all the anguish I am in
In awe I watch red turn to pink and fade away
Begging with tearful eyes that the light may stay
But sunset recedes behind a veil of black and grey
And I heave a sigh and fly out to search for prey
As a vampire I am supposed to be a dark knight
Forever imprisoned in the dank shelter of the night
But I’ll gladly risk my end for the blood-red skies
Until the last piece of human soul inside me dies