Ceiling descends, its movement
infinitesimal but certain. Everything
closes in, reduces ambivalence
to brief terror then
welcome relief.

I look away then back again.

Now cauliflower corpses mill
about the room in eager anticipation.
Their candid conversations are not
what one expects
of the dead.

I look away then back again.

Flash of blue lightning silhouettes
sinister Shadow Man. “Ah… Satan,
I presume.” The words belong to
someone else not me, sucked dry
of sense and soul

I look away then back again.

“Right you are.” Devil talks back.
“We are home, where you…. belong.”
Soft voice, not scary at all. I slide to
left side of too-big bed, glad for anything
other than nothing.

I look away then back again.

Room spins now with my stomach.
I would cry out for God but I cannot see, hear,
speak. Shaking, I am little black
sheep put aside for slaughter,
cast out among wolves.

I look away then back again.

He’s back, Shepherd Satan, arms
open wide. The room hums louder with
thoughts that say please God no please
God please I am not so strong.
I need to belong.

I look away then back again.

Satan is shrinking, but laughing,
too. Something within me leaps. No,
don’t go, I want to say. Take me.
But he evaporates, and I can
breathe again.

I look away then back again.

Jesus and little children: there,
where Satan stood. And he looks
to me, calms sea of confusion
in me. In his arms, he holds a
little black sheep.

I look away then back again.

Ceiling ascends, its movement
infinitesimal but certain. Everything
opens up, expands small hope.
Faith restored makes room,
a home for Love within.

Art - Digital Designs by Dawn, Copyright 2002
(my room)

The link below will take you to Dawn's published passion-powered poetry e-chapbooks. You can also search at this Amazon address: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-5294762-4489535/creativerevoluti.