His Are the Eyes of Perseus

His Are The Eyes Of Perseus
(copyright © 1997 David E Jones)

My dead brother has sought me
In the thunder that rolls over the ocean.
Our ancestral home floats among lofty
Clouds hanging over black dunes.
His are the eyes of Perseus,
Blazing with arrogance and vengeance
Like fiery garnets in the night sky.

My dead sister became a beautiful parrot
And flew far away from this world.
Now she is in the painting on my wall
Beside a Roman bath beneath green hills.
Sunlight streams through misty veils---
Dragonflies and Seraphim buzz about and circle away.

My dead brother has sought me
In the thunder that rolls over the ocean.
He drains the old houses of their color
And covers them with moldering vines.
The little girl skipping rope did not
Believe me either until she heard
His vengeful voice cursing in the thunder.

My dead sister loves me.
She also speaks in the thunder
That rolls over the ocean.
Our happiness is the envy of angels
And pierces my dead brother's soul
like a knife until he smiles and drifts away.