Is she a dreaded swarthy jetclad tormentress

with swirling inky cloak

and train of spirit followers,

vampires, goblins,bogles, demons,

all evil preying creatures?

In her clutching talons we endure

agonies of doubt, remorse, despair, regret,

when tears and anguish overcome.

She brings nightmares of terror, loss and violence

with sleepers longing for releasing dawn,

unable to find rest or solace in her pitiless grasp.

 

Or is she benevolent in a sheilding starry veil,

spreading welcome relief

in friendly luminous moonlight, allowing us

to rest tired bones and forget

our daily pains and woes?

Giving dreams of blest oblivion

letting us bask in our fantasies

of what will never be?

In her arms we meet the loving faces

of those who've left us lonely,

in a consoling embrace.

 

She is both.