saint-saens from another room

Big dreaming monsters came out of hiding

and yanked me from my bed

from my state of grace

and into the merry-go-round

of a heart that never ceases to thump

a mind with the will of bamboo chimes in a storm

they clothed me in desperation and sorrow

wishing I’d join them in a jolly day’s work

of plucking petals from roses long dead

their chivalrous kisses prick my fingers

once they tried to tie a rope around my neck

to turn my tales of triumph into swan songs

how dare they

how dare they make me walk, talk,

and think of things long gone

comforting me

saying that love persists

and giving me memories that do not exist

Maria Freyre. March 10, 2022