I long to swim beneath the waves
With family still unseen.
On land, I cannot find their graves;
It’s though they’ve never been.

Past Devil Reef a mist forms where
Unearthly music’s heard.
Strange hybrid creatures frolic there
And speak with soundless word.

A sunken city calls to me;
Each night when I’m asleep
I dream of living ‘neath the sea
With dwellers of the deep.

But I can’t answer, not today,
That voice that ever calls.
Within this madhouse I must stay
Behind confining walls.

But someday soon I’ll find a way
To leave this place of hell.
Then joyously I’ll greet the day --
In R’lyeh I shall dwell!

© 1997 Ron Shiflet

First Appearance: Nightscapes #4
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