Genetic Memory

The cells within our bodies

Are replaced each seven years

But a memory can last a thousand lifetimes

The itch below the surface

And the welling of our fears

Are the preface to an ancestral crime

There was a time

When I would sleep as soon as I hit the pillow

There was a time

When I knew not depression

A hateful wind has breeched my skin

And underneath it billows

It burns my soul

And leaves its sick impression

I never knew my father

But I'm sure he must be dead

I feel that empty feeling in my bones

A lot has changed these last few months

A war within my head

And raining from above like falling stones

The dreams come to me every night now

The masquerade conceals my wicked plans

Some spirit in the wind or a man within my mind

Whispers for me to descend the stairs

I dare to lift my mask and take a glance into the mirror

I see myself but see it isn’t me

Familiar yet unknown to me the man tips me a wink

Through centuries he sets me

Invites me to enjoy the show

I'm terrified yet mesmerised

I don't know what to think

The music gathers pace and the dancers gather 'round

Identities not known, nor inhibition

A frenzy in a heightened daze

An elevated toxic phase

A girl is separated and invited out for air

The scene is ended by a knife

A piercing, chilling scream

The curtain falls it is blood-red

And every morning say

I say it's just a dream

It changed one day, my mother died

To quell the grief I cleaned the memories from her attic

In my father's hand I found the note of suicide

Felt that distant evil voice call through like static

I read his note and wiped away my tears

Those very dreams were also his

They plagued his father and grandfather too

So many generations driven by one twisted act

A murder echoes generations through

And I glance into the mirror

And I see it isn’t me

An evil apparition from genetic memory

I take a knife to take a life

I struggle with the wrong and right

Within I am still there

And driven by despair

If I'm to take a life it must be me