Phantom

I lived ... once … I loved and laughed and ached from my marrow … I spoke my soul, and spun my mind to my innervation and impulse - swam up spirits to the source of their pulses and passions … I moved and breathed and thrived, slept and soared and savored the tang of carnality, counted my chaos, and measured my occupations with desire … I danced with angels, dazzled and dark and unearthly, and I sang to the heavens in their wildest weeping with a voice of callow intonation ... and melodious temper, ALL with a child's heart, and a saint's assumption … yes, I lived ... once … full and bright and joyous as a midday meadow, yet, in the midst of a moment's suffering - a soft, stinging moment, I pressed tender, the lips of a curse - one deep, melting kiss of a temptress that turned to a coursing ... of poison - "You will write and play and sing with such feeling - such intent!” she spoke me … “You will love and build and create, you will realize the bounties of life and passion … you will know the dearest fruits of friendship and success - all the endeavors of your heart, and gifts of your hands!" she said, eyes sparkling, lips dripping honey … then … shook it ALL from my grasp, and with a smile, glowing, turned me ... to dust.