Night Visions

I cannot trust joy, it will not let me be;
Sorrow in its wake, joy ever drew:
In dreams pleasure you bring me;
In dreams pain is my gift from you.

You who seduced me, ecstasy you brought,
Yet I am only regret ever by experience taught:
I am not permitted to give what I got.
In dreams pleasure you bring me;
In dreams pain is my gift from you.

Like a cat, you are soft but have sharp claws;
You are perfection, including your flaws;
Both silver tongue and sharp teeth in your jaws;
In dreams pleasure you bring me;
In dreams pain is my gift from you.

No matter who, always the rejection -
This is the cost of every transaction.
I wonder if I am better in total isolation?
In dreams pleasure you bring me;
In dreams pain is my gift from you.

Do I prefer to seek pleasure in waking?
Is ever pain only of my own making?
Perhaps I need to be ever more painstaking.
In dreams pleasure you bring me;
In dreams pain is my gift from you.