Faustus in Dark Meditation
Brave Doctor Faustus, in red candle glow,
The skull on his desk — ornamental,
Wanting such knowledge as devil’s do know,
Pensive in shadows so gentle.
A scholar of eminence, widely acclaimed,
Books in prodigious array,
His portrait of Gretchen, his lover, well framed,
Smiling at him through the day.
But deep inner lusting, his ardour combusting—
A ravenous need to hold power,
A summoning, down to the devil disgusting,
Here is my chance, here’s the hour!
So into his chamber the devil did rise,
Bold as a sulphurous flame,
Mephisto with eloquent speech and bright eyes,
Summoned when Faust spoke his name.
The devil was wily and evil in sooth,
Desiring that brave Faustus perish,
I’ll sell you my soul, black Mephisto, in youth,
If you’ll give the power I cherish!
The devil was happy, for deals always fail,
And souls down to hell duly fall,
I’ll promise you everything, sir, you can’t fail,
The moon and the sun — take it all!
I prithee good Doctor, I need you to sign;
Here is the contract — use blood,
Blood for the keeping, yes, blood red as wine,
Red as the red rose’s bud.
Faustus in anguish to settle the deal,
Cut himself, signing the pledge,
Twenty four years I will cleverely steal,
With a powerful, magical edge!
But Faustus was frivolous, frivolous lame,
His newfound beguilements so dull,
Conjuring grapes out of season by flame,
Using the force of the skull.
Illusory fanfare and gimmicks to show,
Roused for the emperor’s sight,
Using demonic dominions below,
Blacker than cloud covered night.
Repent! Came the plea of an old man concerned,
Worried that Faustus might fall,
But Faustus, unaltered, this godliness spurned,
Heeding Mephisto’s wry call.
Always a chance sent from God, with a smile,
Always an option for Him!
But wry doctor Faustus, enamoured of guile,
Followed his covetous whim.
I shall be ruler of all, I declare!
I will command all the skies!
Treasures of gold and sweet maids with long hair,
Singing me soft lullabies!
But, Mephistopheles, showing the scroll,
Written in blood and conclusive,
Kept doctor Faustus within his control,
In protests to God, so effusive.
Drag him to hell, Mephistopheles, sir!
I say he does not go to God!
With your assertion I duly concur,
Drag him below, under sod!
So gloating in dark satisfaction and glee,
Sounding a baleful loud bell,
Sordid Mephisto leapt ravenously,
And dragged Doctor Faustus to hell…
AD Lovkis, 26/08/25
adamdaniel 