By JohnCarl McGrady
Constantine!
By day I am a paladin—
White armoured, arrayed with bright shield,
I carry lance and sword and helm and steel.
I am the champion of justice; the herald against sin.
Constantine!
By night I come to you!
Black cloaked, tattered in my hollow breath,
I leap and snap and wreak this vengeful death.
I am the demon of the shades; the bleeding knife in morning dew.
Constantine!
How shall I return to waking glory?
When by night, I am unleashed and free?
I soar at the cries of his death; I embrace the animal in me.
My armor lies in dusty heaps; I prefer the hunted quarry.
But listen!
I am no dog
The crowd chants for his release, hear it!
My teeth tear into his throat at their fit,
I am but the instrument of lofty goals; a vicious cog.
Constantine!
I take thy name!
I bathe myself in ambrose animality!
I leave behind the fetters of society!
I drink the red nectar of mortality!
I cast back my head and I am lifted by screams!
I AM CONSTANTINE!