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Nocturnes: That Sleep Of Death What Dreams May Creep
[in memory of Charles Beaumont,
(1929-1967),
writer of most memorable horrors]
"I say to you: I am afraid to sleep,
"although I do---yet find no shred of rest.
"The dreams I have are always quite distressed,
"and ghastly, gruesome things into them creep.
"I fear the smooth nightcap and velvet slipper;
'I fear the starless night and unburnt taper.
"A lover comes to me, on stockinged feet---
"curvacious in desire. But, to escape her,
"so that she cannot taint my sinless life,
"I bring her foul existence to an end;
"this whore, who has the courage to pretend
"to please me---just imagine her conceit
"to try to draw me to that sordid street,
"all willy-nilly. So, with a sharp knife,
"I slice her up, serving her with her death:
"then, in the shadows, catch my baited breath.
"Next morning, when I wake to sip my tea,
"I learn, with horror from the morning paper,
"the news that shocks all London---even me---
"another slut murdered by Jack the Ripper."
To sleep, perchance to dream
"...there's the rub, for in that sleep of death what dreams may come.."
~the bard
Yes.
Yes.
J-C4113d (in Chrismation, Januarius)
fka Starward-Led
Well, you've outdone
Well, you've outdone yourself. This is pure brilliance, in concept and in form, which is an impeccable choice for the chilling story. I was completely captivated by the idea—the combination of sleep as terror and the reality of a deranged monster intertwined in one fast-paced story delivered with a sly, staccato rhythm. Breathtaking work.
Thank you. I have been
Thank you. I have been writing about the Ripper since 2000, and studying the five murders (primarily the fifth) since 1974. Your kind comment sure does validate that long study, and the poem.
J-C4113d (in Chrismation, Januarius)
fka Starward-Led