Drawn by Despair - Jareth

Inspired by someone's journal that they no longer adored a villainous character, nor understood why people liked them at all. The entry was actually about Erik of Phantom of the Opera, but I think the question posed by this can apply to any antagonist/dark character/villain. The second version of this picture, featuring Erik instead, will be out soon.

The poem is mine, so please pardon my poor ability to express through poetry. If you can't read the text:

What have you, upon reflection?
Power, presence, imperfection
The draw you have is quite unfair
I fear I’m drawn by your despair.

Bloodied hands and shadowed soul
Redemption is too high a goal.
You are a monster far too fair
It seems I’m drawn by your despair.

How could I love you—what draws me in?
To pursue a figure so maligned with sin?
Blood ignored, of shadow unaware
Alas, I’m drawn by your despair.

I watched redemption be denied.
I watched as dreams and faint hope died.
Your fate, I’ve seen, is a nightmare.
Forever I’m drawn by your despair.
(Poem copyright Ashe Rhyder, 2005)