The madman's objurgation
—dedicated to Andrew Joseph Grimes

Rags of cloud in three 
Layers of skin, 
And between the bed sheets—my world. 
Sunset and stone-spelt castle planted
By the beach—the 
Blackest day-drift waste of day—
My life a breath away. I sat
By the desk and windows, as 
The walls decayed—as I scratched through
Feeble words. My lover never went—
And never came—to this bleached album
Of self-deceit: a small apartment of 
Retreat. I shall have my eyes
Ever closed to dream another 
Wonderland, where I burn every summer hours
Tick-tick-tock, ad libitum. Grievance!
At the month of May (and 
All the flowers carried the curse my way).

Dale Chou
2003-05-24