adamdaniel

Lotophagi Indulgence

On the island known as Djerba,
Off the wild African coast,
Lived the Lotophagi people,
And of lotus dreams they’d boast…

We can find a realm of silence,
Where the din of day is done,
By the milk white lotus flower,
Which dost prosper in the sun,

All along the winding river,
Near the water lily boats,
We collect the precious flower,
In the pockets of our coats,

We prepare them in a cauldron,
Brewing up a heady soup,
Then consume the potent imbibe,
As one salivating group,

Then as one we dream together,
Casting off the grip of fear,
Aye, we melt into the moonlight,
Activating visions clear…

For the flower is a gateway,
Like the potent poppy seed,
That confers a restful torpor,
To ingratiate our need,

For we weary of the war field,
And we hate the guns that blast,
Aye we want to know forgiveness,
By our lotus bloom repast,

So we drink our fill of dreaming,
And awake with languid eyes,
Neath the starlight ever beaming,
Greeting death in soft reprise,

Aye, we die a death of wonder,
Seeking only solace sure,
By the banks of bright Medjerda,
And her lotus smothered shore,

I invite you with me, stranger,
Now to drink your fill and go,
To the shores of slumbrous keeping,
That the Lotophagi know,

I will be your watching angel,
With my wings about your frame,
Keeping safety on your person,
As you seek the silent flame,

It is womblike, it is magic,
It is heaven gifted bliss,
It is rapture from the tragic,
Aye, a sweet seraphic kiss,

It is perfect relaxation,
In these baths that lull the mind,
Shedding off the skin of sadness,
And the pang of words unkind,

You will hold the hand of Hades,
In an underworld that’s dark,
But it trumps the bully daylight,
And your long travailling stark,

I will see you swimming calmly,
In the deeps where freedom flows,
Knowing silken satisfaction,
In the torpid undertows,

Here’s the cup, my cherished brother,
Here’s the drink that sets you free,
Jump anon into the lamp light,
Of this precious mystery…

AD Lovkis, 09/06/25