Zombie Villanelle (for Richard)

I’m finding my being beyond pain:

My skin is a spreading, snapping mesh.

The only cohesion is my hunger for brain.

Blinking, breathing seem mundane.

There’s no signal from my rotting flesh:

I’m finding my being beyond pain.

I stagger on the old, familiar lane

I’ve forgotten the color of your dress.

The only cohesion is my hunger for brain.

That’s my locket you have on your chain.

It complements your eyes’ distress.

I’m finding my being beyond pain.

Screams become a familiar refrain,

Though I’m disoriented in the gutsy mess.

The only cohesion is my hunger for brain.

I’m wearing my face like a lion’s mane;

Your eyes are as beautiful as ever, but no longer fresh.

I’m finding my being beyond pain.

The only cohesion is my hunger for brain.