The Ofi Press Magazine

International Poetry and Literature from Mexico City

Michael Naghten Shanks: 1 Poem Published

Poem by Michael Naghten Shanks (Ireland)

Published in The Ofi Press issue 42

 

 

 

 WHEN THE BLACK DOG FEASTS

 

Each night I lay myself to sleep

but find my mind awake each hour.

Always it is the black dog’s feast.

 

I never hear its four-pawed creep

but feeling its presence cower

each night I lay myself to sleep.

 

All day I find I am tired, weak,

lacking energy and power.

Always it is the black dog’s feast.

 

So hounded by the unseen beast

I reach out but know you aren’t there.

Each night I lay myself to sleep.

 

I tell myself to count the sheep

to try invoke a new nightmare—

always it is the black dog’s feast.

 

Often I think the climb’s too steep

so endlessly I tend to stare

each night I lay myself to sleep.

Always it is the black dog’s feast

About the Poet

Michael Naghten Shanks lives in Dublin, Ireland. His writing has featured in various publications, including Gorse, 3:AM, The Quietus and elsewhere. In 2015 he will read as part of the New Writers’ Salon during Listowel Writers’ Week and also as part of the Poetry Ireland Introductions Series during the International Literature Festival Dublin. He is editor of The Bohemyth.   

Image: "Night at the Dog Park 2" by DevonTT.