Market place of hallucination

In an endless night,
time is my nemesis.

In the realms of sleepwalking nightmares,
where trumpets blow an eerie tune,
I can see the Grim Reaper,
perched upon my tomb.

I search for the sandman
in the domain of dreams.
Where hope is an alchemy of potions,
igniting stars to cremate calamity.

In the marketplace of hallucination,
I barter with misty, moody moonlight,
before reality returns to spoil an ephemeral fate,
wishing to remain where imagination illuminates.

Sprites and Sylphs guide to a secret passage,
a labyrinth where ancient secrets sleep.
Yet their black gates are like Hercules' Twelve Labors.
Constant knocking results in the death of spirit.

Defeated by delusions of utopia,
I surrender to a tangible conclusion.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Herrick Avatar
March 4, 2024 at 5:32 PM
The Twelve Labors of Hercules is a very poetic concept and analogy for epic dialect, cosmic doors, penances, trials and roadblocks in-circumspect. Morpheus or the Sandman, also a potent transition, especially after the Grim Reaper appears like a Crow. The frustration of dreams, the roadblocks and labors to achieve, a conspiracy, a nightmare, a living Death Angel of trials and growth of accepting the patience of reality, for now. But in sacrifice or disillusionment, dying the "little death".
Beaufort Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 7:54 AM
Well, life sure ain't any utopia. I like how, despite all the negative thoughts in the depth of the night, you manage to persist. OMG, sometimes our lives are not so easy! You make that very clear....it's tough to navigate the twists and turns of darkness when the help is so sketchy. Makes me think you know we have to take charge of our own destiny.
Baker Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 5:31 PM
A torturous tale you tell, Silent One. The constant sensing of death winning and life ending without fulfillment. The utopia of the dream state filled with pleasant thoughts and secret escape routes to avoid the pain and suffering of life and the cruelty of death gives hope that is often dashed upon waking and the return to reality. Much to ponder on these words, my friend. I sense the internal pain you fight through daily. Thanks for still sharing your meaningful poetry with us. Bill
Lane Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 9:06 AM
In such a place nightmares seem to never end and yet dreams end too quickly. No amount of bartering will release us from such a fate. Even in surrendering to the dark realm, you avoided morbidity. Nice line to have the Reaper sitting on your grave.
Situation Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 5:30 AM
I had a very complicated childhood. this was just a reminder of what I escaped.
Pandit Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 6:30 AM
A fine creation my friend, painting your domain of dreams; and splendid lines like these adorn your tapestries---before reality returns to spoil an ephemeral fate, wishing to remain where imagination illuminates---
Rolland Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 5:18 AM
thank you for showing us ,a secret passage, this is quite inspiring, to follow
Rodgers Avatar
February 25, 2024 at 4:26 PM
Dear Silent One, What a dark and surreal dreamscape. Your scene is truly captivating, from the endless night and eerie trumpets to the Grim Reaper on the tomb. The exploration of hope as an alchemical potion and the bartering with moonlight adds so much depth and symbolism. While the desire to escape into the fantastical world is strong, the poem acknowledges the limitations of imagination and the inevitable return to reality. The ending, with the image of black gates symbolizing insurmountable obstacles, beautifully captures the frustration of facing limitations and the struggle to accept reality. What a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant poem, Silent One. - Blessings, Daniel
May Avatar
February 25, 2024 at 12:01 PM
You take us to a realm where "Where hope is an alchemy of potions, igniting stars to cremate calamity.", Very nicely penned Silent
Hind Avatar
February 25, 2024 at 12:01 PM
Interesting perspective- our lives and so fleeting and confusing, "wishing to remain where imagination illuminates"- "tangible conclusion"...maybe coming up to ease pains, greatly enjoyed
Rose  Avatar
February 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM
hmmmm, Herculean doors , I like that image .
Poet Avatar
February 25, 2024 at 9:37 AM
Dear friend, SO, your poem is about the struggle with time and the longing for an escape from reality into the world of dreams and imagination. Revolving around the themes of mortality, subconscious mind, and desire for a utopian existence. Your diction is rich and evocative, using vivid imagery and metaphorical words to convey the inner turmoil. wonderful as always and a Fave.
Empress Avatar
February 25, 2024 at 9:28 AM
Ah silent one i got lost within your well woven lines so seamlessly flowing with fae and fantasy hues woven with mythology! I always love a poem using those elements and youv done it so exquisitely! And ofcourse grim reaper has now become a word you own! Cus of how you use it so well in deeply moving ways! The opening lines are clever endless night where time is your nemesis is brilliant! Creative! Excellent use pf alliterations too especially love “ Sprites and Sylphs guide to a secret—wow! FAV
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