At the top of the stairs is a locked room
my secret chamber that no outsider views
for entry is forbidden prohibited
Behind this door is my other self
not a picture in a frame nor a fresh disguise
but my other self
immoblie inert and sanguine
My narcissus kisses exhale crimson breath
and pump ruby to the lip
I stand before myself not Jekyll nor Hyde
not sibling nor twin seperated at birth
I stand before myself unaccountable
I dreamt that I had feet of clay
I dreamt I crossed the seven seas
and when I woke not knowing
I knew I led the double life
All I ever needed is twice removed
I spit in my bile in an airless temper
in this vacuum a vampire reversed
This one who breathes life into me
and even dull mirrors reflect the tarnished twosome
I stand before myself not another me
Not Döppleganger nor witless clone
I stand before myself unrepentant
I dreamt of sin and aftermath
I dreamt of centuries laid bare
and when I woke not knowing
I knew I led the double life |