True vampires

do not fear the sun

True vampires

fear running water

creatures undying

from thirst

I am not a true vampire

because I fear nothing

except the sounds of life:

my heartbeat beat beating

thick blood that pulses against the walls of aging veins carrying to everything the air I come from and am becoming

I have seen true vampires

hesitating, panting, pacing along the river quays

calling out to family and friends

forever stuck in place

until the river changes course

or exhausts itself

into a winding, weaving trail of ash and dust

I have seen true vampires

And I fear nothing except the sounds of life

True vampires