I did eventually find the copy I wanted, the
one with an introduction specially written for the 20th anniversary edition.
Much of what Dan Simmons says about vampires
in general in his new introduction is of great interest and relevance; it is both
horrific and very familiar; it stirs up very painful memories.
He starts by informing his readers that while
blood-drinking vampires of the type portrayed in horror films do not exist in
real life, mind vampires certainly do. I think in terms of energy vampires,
people who have a negative effect on those around them, but the scenarios and
effects are much the same.
“I regret to be the one to inform you,
Dracula and his blood-slurping ilk are make-believe.
But mind vampires are real.
Few if any of us get through life without
being preyed upon by more than one mind vampire. Even children are not exempt
from falling victim to these foul fiends.”
It is probably true that most people
will encounter at least one vampire along the way; I would not say even children but especially
children, at least vulnerable, defenceless and unprotected ones. Some unfortunate if not doomed children even have vampires for parents.
“Mind vampires feed on violence, but the
ultimate violence for them is the imposition of their will over yours. I long
ago discovered that such an exercise of will and control of one person over
another is a form of violence, and one we can all gain an unholy taste for if
we’re allowed to.”
This says it all. The exercising of control
of and power over others, overtly or covertly, is a very familiar
characteristic of energy vampires. They want their victims to dance to their
tune.
