Here There Be Dragons

Here There Be Dragons

In the consciousness of a new antiquity,
my dreaming mind drowses
lulled by the hum of ancient machines.
Drifting through steel corridors
the memory of extinct sentience
pulses in sync with my heart.
That we all end,
this is true,
but we had an arrogant assurance
that somewhere, somehow,

 another that is not Other
carries on our line.
Even to the last,

fierce grief battles merciless hope
driving each other round and round
refusing the solace of apathy.
Wandering metal mazes
decorated with newly-dead language
that I am the last to speak aloud...

I leave a final warning,
hoping against hope that another can read it:

Ware! here there be Dragons!

Switch

Switch

 Ichi...

I trembled, my breath whispering
Past sensitive lips.
Fear and desire blazed from my eyes
Into hers.
My emotions were written across my face
Like graffiti on a bridge.
And though I was fully clothed I knew
I had been laid bare.

 Ni...

She toyed with the cat o’ nine,
Taunting my passion.
Its slapping slithering sounds sent
Anticipatory shivers shimmering up my spine…
I opened my mouth to speak, to beg,
To demand, but
She covered it with hers and when her lips withdrew
They drew my voice with them.

 San...

She leaned against the doorpost, her bottom thrust out
Gasping as I took revenge-
She never gave me the lashes I’d craved.
Her voice was breathy
As she counted my cruelty in Japanese
Trembling again,
I soothed the area I’d struck with my hand,
My palm stinging in sympathy.

Shi...

I never went easy on her.
I hope she never does with me.