Poison's to my ear as poison to my soul,
     For the hearing of it rots the very core of me.

Thus, no … no elixir to th' cup …
     No drops within my wine.
          Leave that my drunkenness be unfouled.

Rather, beat me 'bout the head and neck
     With the very ewer meant once to deliver't

Such a pain would be less than these
     Poisons to my ears and poisons in my soul.

Down, down into a pit I fall,
     And like a fiend, I fought a fiend.

Why do I fling myself further down?
     Hurl myself to dark oblivion?

Why do I not let go the beast
     And clutch at stone and root and rock?

Why do I not climb slowly and carefully
     Up and out of darkness?

Because I hope…
     Like a fool, I hope.

I hope the clawing talons will turn to caressing hands
     … the constricting, sinewy limbs will turn to warm hugs
     … the gnashing, shredding teeth will turn to gentle kisses
     … the writhing beast will turn back to peaceful lover …
     … turn back to the woman I adored.

He wanted to go to bed with her immediately …
     … pull the sheets around them …
     … dig his knees into the mattress …
     … her arms thrown up in abandon …
     … her fingers running rivers along his sides …

     … but these days, fantasies flourish and die like summer flies.