I am the truth that must not be spoken

I am the image that darkens your glass, 

The shadow that falls wherever you pass. 

I am the dream you cannot forget, 

The face you remember without having met. 

 

I am the truth that must not be spoken, 

The midnight vow that cannot be broken. 

I am the bell that tolls out the hours. 

I am the fire that warms and devours. 

 

I am the hunger that you have denied, 

The ache of desire piercing your side. 

I am the sin you have never confessed, 

The forbidden hand caressing your breast. 

 

You've heard me inside you speak in your dreams, 

Sigh in the ocean, whisper in streams. 

I am the future you crave and you fear. 

You know what I bring. Now I am here. 

 

[Dana Gioia {1950- } 'Nosferatu's Serenade', from 99 Poems New and Selected]