Mad Queen Mab

O queen of dreamings, mad Queen Mab, depart,

And visit me no more. I grow weary

Of dreams that rend these plastered walls -- my heart --

Of reminders of long wand’rings dreary.

Let not your carriage-bells be heard tonight,

Nor beating of your wings. Dreamless, I’ll sleep.

You’ll not the ashes of his’try ignite,

Nor stir the demons lurking in the deep.

Let blackness shelter this worn-down spirit

And shield me from your skill, lest I recall,

O lest I die, knowing only regret

And just how far a soul from grace can fall.

Yet show me visions of my Love, my Friend,

And for your tricks of nights past, make amends.