Bragi bleeds

You want poetry? We got poetry. A piece older than the majority of the poet's fans, but still relevant and fascinating today. I have seen the sheet of greenbar computer paper he wrote the original down on, in 1983. Some count this as the moment when he turned from the simplistic elegance of such works as "Monument" and "tread softly" into what was to become the Amomancer.

This is the first instance in his works of his invocation of the Norse god of eloquence and poetry, Bragi, a name that would later become a totem for himself in some key works. This is the first use of his recurring color "ruby-blue". A very early bit of metaphoric reference to sexual conflict. What do you think the "serpent and the succubus" are? The "sheaths" whisper to him? The first use of "warm wine" as a reference to oral sex. "They come for you, as I do"? Man, this poem is soaked in musk and mornings after.

Bragi bleeds

the serpent and the succubus
are baring polished fang for you.
I caught the faintest glimmer
of greylight off their
ruby-blue metal surfaces.
I heard the sheaths' whispering
to me again last night
as I dreamed memory.

slow cuts the quickslitter
that drives home venom angry
and opaque. take this phial
and drink warm wine tonight
when they come for you, as I do.
no less breathes a riddle than I.
no more to dream
the clocks' mockery.


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.