Tantalus William Sykes

Tantalus

The bulbous, burning, blood-shot blot Hangs limp from limbs above, The gift forbidden by the gods To starve my lips of love.

It lays beyond my fingertips, Just there beyond my reach. I wish to suck the juices clean Like blood sucked by a leech.

Beyond my grasp I watch it swing So softly in the deep, The reddish satin shines like black Sheep sinking down for sleep.

As scented thoughts seduce my tongue, I stretch and stretch and stretch And yet I cannot feed myself, Myself – a starving wretch.

My pallid hands reflect the light Of empty hellish rays, The hopeless beams of scattered dreams And long forgotten days.

But once again I raise my arms Toward apple and to sky If only just to taste the hope, If only not to die.