ODE TO KILLIOPE

by Londis Carpenter

copyright © 2004—all rights reserved

 

My soul struggles, tormented in the night.

Killiope echoes back primeval joy.

In answer to the distress of my plight,

She comes to me, invisible and coy.

Invisible to most, yet I can tell

There's more to her than reason can admit.

This image is no dream, for I can smell

A fragrance only women can emit.

Killiope only comes when men believe.

Hope lingers as she passes through the door.

Her face has features artists can't achieve.

She calms me by a scent I've known before.

Fear dissolves at the timbre of her voice.

We partake of intimate pure pleasure.

My re-awakened soul now makes a choice:

Opting for hope and brave beyond all measure.

I compensate for fears this night may spawn,

Recognizing that my soul itself could die.

For night will somehow end and greet the dawn.

While Killiope whispers still another lie.