A Hundred Souls

I've lived inside a hundred castles
made of fire smoke and glass
a hundred maidens danced for me
a hundred jesters made me laugh
a hundred courtesans held my hand
a hundred tyrants blocked my path
but still this crown it chafed me
its protection could not last

white gold burned my fingers
ice swords cut my flesh
dragon's flame scorched me
woflsbane tasted best

inside this fantasy
I'm craving
just one glimpse at truth
what's that noise, the gentle tapping?
is that rain upon my roof?
is that wind or someone raving?
howling, shrieking, screaming night
is this nightmare what I'm braving
while I'm reaching for the light?

nevermore
there is no raven
Poe has lost his pen
Ligea
fairest maiden
the dark has come again

and through me like some thunder
waiting for the lightening flash
hiding, sweating, flinching, praying
through the windows to your soul
I crash
tearing, clawing, tasting flesh
Rabid, son? I'm ravenous!

I always hunger, always thirst
wailing at the moon's dark curse
through the forest hear me panting
in your mansion sweetly ranting
I wear a mask made of Red Death
come strip away your last false breath
and pirouette
and sway and swoon
in your ear I sigh and croon

twisting child's lullaby
I know this game so well
an artist's hands have shamed me
and sent me straight to Hell

Lightening bugs make so much noise
when all you want is peace
famished, searching yellow eyes
thick grass hides The Feast

I'm overjoyed
I'm terrified
don't know what I'll do next
I'll heal your hurts
I'll scar your soul
or break your scrawny neck

tremendous gift
eternal plague
upon my raging mind
so satisfied when I create
that timeless, priceless Find

And I'll leave you all
someday
leave you sad and empty
my artist's hands all skin and bones
have tortured you a plenty

so masquerade, masquerade!
dance until you die
up on the hill in your big house
"Remember me", I'll cry

I've lived inside a hundred castles
made of fire smoke and glass...