the phantom love of the bygone years

still assails my wakefulness and my slumbering dreams

 

with a vengeance that is to fury akin

for the phantom love is still wedged deep under my skin

 

the random assaults of the memories are harsh and cruel

stripping my emotions nakedly bare

 

and torturing my soul with more than a hint of malice

as i am yet not absolved for having imbibed from her seductive chalice

 

and so this endless play of long burned-out passion

is visited upon the weary mind reminding me that she still holds sway

 

for the phantom love still owns me as her not unwilling slave

for now and perhaps till time itself fades into the cold dampness of love’s grave