The poem perishes in the space between

the tip of the pen

and the scrap of journal paper its ink dries on.

The painting’s beauty is pared away

in the moment the brush first taints the canvas

with its seamless definition of color and soft play of chiaroscuro.

The kiss is ripped from the parched lover’s lips

before he can part and contour them

on the runway of his lover’s abdomen.

The aristocrat’s rapier wit is blunted

the moment he comes to his senses

and embitters his jab with compassion for his fellow man.

The libertine’s lust becomes a virile reign of impotence

the moment he perceives his dominance is only conferred

by the masochistic consent of the eroticized submissive.

The martyr’s blind faith in his religion

becomes a spectacular act of self-righteous egoism

designed for mockery the moment he steps upon the stage of his self-sacrifice.

The god’s self-absorbed desire to be known

issues in a splattered orgasm that wears the face

of the cosmos, nature, and death.

Dominick Montalto is founder of A Poet's Perspective, a blog featuring biweekly blog posts on a variety of topics, primarily geared toward writers and those interested in getting their work published, including weekly reviews on Wednesdays. The blog features an Editorial and Writing Services page where readers can take a look at the type of services Dominick offers, and also has a variety of his previously published poetry and essays.