The Prestige

This was an older poem that I wrote, back in 2009. I literally had just got done watching the film, "The Prestige," starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. And since I really, really enjoyed the film, I got caught up in it as I always tend to do. And as the credits were rolling, I immediately had lines running through my head, so I turned to my computer and began to type. What follows here is a result of that inspiration. I ended up turning a movie about magic and illusions into a love poem of sorts

"The Prestige"
2009

Did you know there are no limits, to what a young man can achieve
When he suspends his rationale, in order to believe
That the one who receives his heart, will treasure it instead
Of discarding it into the wind, and leaving it for dead
For love is like the magic wool, that's pulled across your eyes
To blind you from the simple truths, and to better sell my lies
But the things that I keep from you, aren't done to make you mad
My dear they're often done with love, so imaginations could be had
So count yourself as fortunate, that the tables are not reversed
Or else you'd be cursed to live a life, that must always be rehearsed
One misstep inside the public eye, and reputations wear a stain
And cheers will be replaced by jeers, while promoters just complain
Luckily for us my love, I am the best at sleight of hand
And I often do such special things, you'd have to dream to understand
For the world of sleep is like a lake, that wishes float upon
And your smiles are like the ripples that, widen 'til they're gone
Their reflections shine on the surface face, as if they were the stars
And could be seen by desolate worlds, that surely envy ours
But worlds that lie outside of sight, are often out of mind
And men have bribed, betrayed my trust, and still they never find
The secret code that I possess, to unlock these words of mine
Thinking they will hold the key, to these wonders so divine
Like when I went in one door, and came out the next, just to see you smile
And still they couldn't figure out, so they describe my act as vile
Claiming I am some kind of demon, in concert with the beast
While overlooking subtle skill, to share conclusions like a feast
But it seems I am running out of time, as I hear the gallows call my name
Telling me that I will wear a noose, while I fight to shoulder blame
And though I'm not gulity of a crime, I will smile to hide the shame
For not being a better man to you, and treating life just like a game
One that my obsession helped me play, but in the end I've lost
And to taste your kiss for the final time, is much too great a cost
But now the time has come to ask you if, you're watching closely dear
'Cause I will wink and reveal the words, they're not supposed to hear
At last my darling girl, I will make this pledge to you
That I have only shown you things, that I consider true
And I had took into account, each of your concerns
Now you must protect what you have learned, when we finally reach the turn
And when the door kicks in, they'll move forward with their siege
But these foolish men will never know, that YOU, are my prestige.