(From my Steampunk rock opera, “Absinthe Heroes”.)
MAYOR (As NARRATOR): Bedtime, and a nightcap. A nightcap of cold, cold absinthe.
ADASTRA: At end of day, I prefer to retire with a healthful glass of warm milk.
MAYOR: I take the glass in hand, and stand by an open window.
ANTIKYTHERA: I admire the moon, and take a reverent sip.
CHAS: Then I throw the rest out the window, and go rummaging for my absinthe spoon.
“To Absinthe Friends”
COMPANY:
Absinthe makes the heart to ponder
Absinthe makes the breath to wander
Absinthe makes the eye beyonder
To absinthe, friends
ANTIKYTHERA:
I dream a dream that no-one’s dreamt
My body’s tousled, thoughts unkempt
I attempt what no-one does attempt
But I’m alone
I sleep a sleep that’s restless cold
I reach for things I cannot hold
I am learned, I get old
Alone
I dream a dream I must forget
I take each chance, I stand each bet
And yet I feel a marionette
And dance alone
ADASTRA:
I sleep like I’m a hunk of meat
And Morpheus I gladly greet
but Thanatos walks up my street
And I’m alone
I dream no dreams ever at all
And into drowse I never fall
I barely feel human at all
Machine alone
COMPANY:
Absinthe makes the heart to ponder
Absinthe makes the breath to wander
Absinthe makes the eye beyonder
To absinthe, friends
CHAS:
I sleep no sleep; I’m vigilant
I sip my hard-won stimulant
But all my hours seem mis-spent
I think too much, alone.
