| At the top of the stairs is a locked room
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| My secret chamber that no outsider views
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| For entry is forbidden prohibited
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| Behind this door is my other self
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| Not a picture in a frame nor a fresh disguise
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| But my other self, immobile inert and sanguine
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| My narcissus kisses exhale crimson breath
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| And pump ruby to the lip
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| I stand before myself not Jekyll nor Hyde
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| Not sibling nor twin separated at birth
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| I stand before myself unaccountable
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| I dreamt that I had feet of clay
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| I dreamt I crossed the seven seas
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| And when I woke not knowing
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| I knew I led the double life
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| All I ever needed is twice removed
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| I spit my bile in an airless temper
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| In this vacuum a vampire reversed
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| This one who breathes life into me
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| And even dull mirrors reflect the tarnished twosome
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| I stand before myself not another me
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| Not doppelganger nor witless clone
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| I stand before myself unrepentant
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| I dreamt of sin and aftermath
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| I dreamt of centuries laid bare
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| And when I woke not knowing
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| I knew I led the double life |