G. C. Jeffers

Indwelling Darkness

after “Nearest Nameless”
by Charles Simic

If the abyss gazes back
then it perceives me
my existence
my indelible mark on reality.

Against such otherness
I turn to the fire merrily
combusting in my soul.

Like Hamlet, full
of youthful vibrancy
staring right past
revealed truth
to do the will of a devil.

I played dress up
with Daddy’s clothes.
The garage door opened.
Someone is coming,
and I froze.