Tonight
Conspirators
Gather in the shadows

The same ones—
That always gather
At the same place and time

When night follows
The sun's departure

To implement
Their ungodly deeds
Before the next sunrise

To undermine
All that I
Previously achieved

Consciously
Subconsciously—

They enlist
All their confederates
Against me

From
Forgotten memories
And regrets

To what was—
And
Might have been

Even the worries
Of today and tomorrow

Anything
They can use

To abuse me
To create more sorrows

Hoping
All peace of mind
I would lose

Even in my sleep
There is no refuge

They find me there

Creeping in to my
Pleasant dreams

Turning them
Into nightmares

Memory
Has many faces
And moods

To use
Any road
Or avenue
It chooses

To arrive
At my door

At any
Time of day
Or Night

That it likes

To bring comfort
Or sadness

But for me
It's what was
And might have been


So Tonight's
Shadows
Are the vanguard

Of tears to come

But I shall resist
And refuse
To succumb

I can again
Disappear and hide—

And walk among
The living

Even though
I've died

I'll wait
Like I always will

For those feelings
Of darkness to subside

Yes
Conspirators

I know—
You will
Forever be there

Conspiring
To deceive
And scheme

The destruction
Of me

But try
As you will

My life and soul—
You'll never kill

























© 2026
Arthur E. Knowles
All Rights Reserved