Are you in a hypnotic, Mephistophelian trap?

 

"For all the what-ifs and what for's" explores nostalgia, the cost of lived experience, and the haunting, seductive pull of the past. 

This speaker contrasts their new life with memories that demand emotional attention, ultimately framing lingering regrets and old patterns as a hypnotic, Mephistophelian trap.

Shall we begin? 

Velumbound. 

(A lone voice whispers)

For all the what-ifs and what for's

And all those crazy games 

We once lovingly played

Including

Those forgotten ones 

Maybe clumsily waylaid

And now carefully 

Put away

They were always worth the price 

Especially

Those now 

With bowed heads 

Standing shining 

Proudly on parade

Waiting for my attention 

To be fully vetted and paid 

As jealous slow-moving shadows 

In the background 

Of a new life

Smile 

Laugh 

And wave 

Dancing a Mephistophelian jig 

While

Listening to songs and sounds 

Sung and made 

By the Devil's 

Own seductive band 

The hypnotic 

Black Brigade 

(C)

Copyright John Duffy