Periodical Horror

Ephemeral pulp magazines survive
In readers memories
Or microfilm archive reels,
Where desolate graveyards are still alive
And shapes under cypress trees
Arise, as the death-knell peels.

The sensuous covers are livid red
Or luminous greenish-blue
Where maidens fend off some beast,
Within: certain stories endure, undead,
The classics of fear and grue
Where literate ghouls still feast.
12-09-83