“'Please, before you are led to think that his was merely a sentimental attachment, however perverse, let me say that it was no such thing. His feelings with respect to the sanitarium were in fact quite incredible, owing to the manner in which he had used his authority at that place. I found out about this when I was still very young, but not so young that I could not understand the profound conflict that existed between my father and grandfather. I disregarded my parents' admonitions that I not spend too much time with the old man, succumbing to the mystery of his presence. And one afternoon he revealed himself.
'He was gazing through the window and never once turned to face me. But after we had sat in silence for some time, he started to whisper something. "They questioned," he said. "They accused. They complained that no one in that place ever became well." Then he smiled and began to elaborate. "What things had they seen," he hissed, "to give them such... wisdom? They did not look into the faces," no, he did not say "faces" but "eyes." Yes, he said, "... did not look into the eyes of those beings, the eyes that reflected the lifeless beauty of the silent, staring universe itself."
'Those were his words. And then he talked about the voices of the patients under his care. He whispered, and I quote, that "the wonderful music of those voices spoke the supreme delirium of the planets as they go round and round like bright puppets dancing in the blackness." In the wandering words of those lunatics, he told me, the ancient mysteries were restored.'”
We are proud to announce the updated version of Death Poems by Thomas Ligotti, with a whole new section of poetry titled "Closing Statements".
Cover art and internal illustrations by the amazing Richard A. Kirk.
Long out of print, Death Poems was originally produced in a very small edition by Durtro in 2004. This highly prized collection has been virtually unobtainable until now. We expect this to sell out very quickly, so do not hesitate.
Roy Robbins here, owner of Bad Moon Books. We will be putting up our editions of Tom's DEATH POEMS for pre-order very soon. This updated version will have a new cycle of poems titled "Closing Statements". Stay tuned at Bad Moon Books for details. Alternately, if you would like to be informed when the editions are announced, please email me at roy@badmoonbooks.com
On February 4th, 1998, Jon Padgett (aka Dr. Locrian) unleashed a horrific vision upon this world. THOMAS LIGOTTI ONLINE was created to champion the greatest living horror/weird fiction writer. Many thanks must be extended to Jon for his initiative and effort to bring the Ligottian world to those receptive - yet hidden within the mindless masses. He has undoubtedly introduced countless readers to Tom's work and hand laid the foundations for the community herein. A tip of the surgeon's cap to you, Jon!
THOMAS LIGOTTI ONLINE
