Eric Forbes

the vampires I speak of
do not savor blood
these minions collect
life
from every person they meet

leeches
slugs
parasites
bugs

roaming the earth in
search of people to
turn into mummies
such bemusement

lying
crying
trying
denying

there’s no way to know for sure
where the next will turn up
but I’ve learned something about vampires
I can show you who they are
by what they do

first, the knowing smile
coupled with a slight distain
or even outright pain,
something’s always wrong
they want you to feel it too

listen to their opening monologue,
in most cases it begins:
“I’ve had the worst day ever!”
will you take the bait?

and so it begins

negativity floods the room:
lampblack
the night sky
some light may enter and still be lost
so vast this expanse
a thoughtful:
“I’m sorry to hear that”
signals a pulsing vein
irresistible sweet succor

attention
adulation
addictive
attention

how do I adore thee?
let me comfort your pettiness.

and by doing, allow you to
SUCK
the very life from my veins!

unless I cut you off before you start
avoid your glances altogether
accept that this is who you are
and hope that one day you’ll be better

© 2010 Eric C Forbes