A prisoner 

of sentience

escape

self-denial

 

Incarcerated

deep inside

with voices

dark and vile

 

A prisoner

of every thought

his mind

a burning feast

 

The moments that

protected him

before

protect him least

 

A prisoner

of déjà vu

where now

and then conspire

 

His name convicted

to the flames

all dreams

— within the fire

 

(Dreamsleep: October, 2024)