(another look at Inspiration)

I

Something draws me forward—
ever searching, ever failing,
looking, always looking,
for the One who dodges Shadows
and plays my emotions
like a harp.

I find him in words…
in pictures…on film…
but never in the flesh.
I search in vain for my
other self.

Without him, I am not
entirely whole—
yet he hides forever,
mocking my pain.

I have written him lives,
I have visited him through others,

I have prayed to make his acquaintance
and he blows a kiss, flips a gesture,
dances out of sight
always one step beyond
the light….

II

Hair coal-black rivers of jet
eyes defined by emotion, not color….
thin as thought….
Mouth a sensitive sneer,
cruel with kindness
kind with derision.

Not your nicest neighbor…
but staunch companion in
necessity.

The dark angel—
the heart-wrenching companion
who fills the aching

void in my soul.

III

Where may he he?
Why can’t I find him?
How long must I look?
Is he only among the dead?

God have mercy….
I’ve seen his name a
thousand times—
is it finally Desire?
Or more properly
…Dream?