Monologue To Celebrate Conversion
by Virginia Wilcox

Vesuvian fires
Ignite the Pompeiian sky
I challenge the gods

You will not kill me
I am Lucius, damn you,
Master of my world

I will not go first
Into that oblivion
Beyond life's embers

A choice then is made
The gods demand sacrifice
Shed mortality

Angel of darkness
Wrap me in my daughter's blood
I embrace the night

Two thousand years
Death days come and go too soon
How many candles

A single white rose
A son to share the moment
A simple wish I make

Now pour the bloodwine
I am Lucien LaCroix
Immortal now, a true god

August '98