Eyeblack from Blackout Shades by Maiden Names

There’s a party at the manor, a monthly affair
to keep all the tigresses hungry
All of them built like bomber beauties
for a pantomime of slink and sly

With rings of black around their eyes
Rings of black around their eyes tonight

You never see me miss a beat
the wounds I bear remain discreet
I make an entrance but you never see me leave
It’s my kindest cruelty to deceive

With rings of black around my eyes
Rings of black around my eyes tonight

And I know you’re waiting there for me
Like a child, inconsolably
There’s a haunting ecstasy in your smile
All-devouring

With rings of black around your eyes
Rings of black around your eyes tonight

…

‘glimpsed in silhouette, deepening violet’*

*from the poem ‘Explaining an Affinity for Bats’ by A.E. Stallings

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