THE MADMAN


Three times I've had the lust to kill;
To clutch the throat of someone fair,
To squeeze it tight with all my might
Till no breath of being is there.

Many times I drove the demon out
Though his sweat was on my brow.
I know quite well he shall return
Someday, somewhere, somehow.

I know I'm mad... but should I tell
And let the doctors care for me?
They’ll throw me in a padded cell
And toss away the key.

Oh, how short my life has been,
For I'm just twenty-two.
As I run with Satan himself
There's but one thing to do.

Every night my foul friend's back;
I fear he shall prevail.
So, here I lie between the tracks
With my head on the rail.

I hear the sound of a distant train;
I feel its thunder on the roll.
I pray it crushes my sick brain
And may God show mercy on my soul.


by Tom Zart
Author of
LOVE WAR AND MORE