The Call

Summer breeze and roses fading, autumn chill my heart pervading 

When the call to see your fading light punctures my hopeful soul—

   To your doorstep long untrodden, footfalls ne’er to be forgotten

Carry me to see your fading light before you breathe no more.

Curse my mind for loving vainly; in my hand I take yours plainly—

Simple was my love for things of little matter now abhorred.

   Weak and scattered is your mind, but in your eyes I long to find

The beauty—no—the love my daughter held for me in years before.

   Empty are your angel eyes—blind to my playboy disguise, 

The one I’ve tossed aside to see my precious girl too long ignored.

   Chest now aching from the beating of a heart aware of fleeting

Moments till your blood will pulse within this angry world no more.

   “Damn my life, my selfish choices! Take my flesh!” My throat devoices— 

Rip my heart to give her life again! Please let her live once more!

   No. Too late for prayers and pleading—Wicked were my days, now seething.

Loathe remembrance of lost time with one who’ll love me nevermore.

***

Edgar Allen Poe has been my favorite author since childhood. His rhythm, rhyme, and dark content captivated me and have held my appreciation all these years.