First, I think it best to define the essence of the vampire (fictional) before attempting to define the Essence of the Vampyre (magical). In this way, I hope to invite discussion and/or debate on the topic, and to hear from other magicians' experience with this type of magic.

There are many strange things in Transylvania;
Like wolves howling in the night,
Listen to them!
Children of the night! What sweet music they make!

Now is the trembling moment of our heart to heart dance between life
And death,
Which looms larger than life.
Together we will cross oceans of time embraced in that immortal kiss.

At dusk we will awake, like a bat together we will fly to quench our
Never ending thirst,
Seeking mortals from the villages and towns closeby,
We will drain the land of it's crimson soul,

June 15, 2007 (AP) -- The Romanian government stands its ground on returning "Dracula's Castle" to members of the former royal family, with the culture minister insisting Thursday that the property's restitution had been legal.

the stillness before the white hot burn

the joy expressed through pain

the silent shadow that slips between the sheets

the hiss and crackle of the unchecked flame

you make me writhe and choke and crave

my thoughts, my sins are so depraved

origins, lost in the fog, your call is so clear

hands tied, eyes blind, crystal cuts of deepest fear

my body, mind, my soul, a constant drain, I bleed

the last of my desires, you alone know how I need

MiseryTasser
December 5, 2001

i scream
no words come to mind
the voices
the noise
i can't think
i can't breathe
i scream into an endless hell
no one listens
overwhelming feelings
thoughts
will it never end
i scream
it stops
silence
immense nothingness
i am alone
i am home
i am here

Raevynn
March 31, 2002

First published in Letters From the Soul (International Library of Poetry).  Permission to reprint granted by the author.