March 31, 2010

Homage to Edgar (RWP # 120)

(Gathering by Alice Popkorn)


Upon first glance, this prompt photo brought to mind all things Poe (and strangely enough, "The Addams Family"). So I took the dark theme developing in my mind and ran with it. It needs more work, but I am very tired of all the gloom. (I think I'm ready for some butterfly, flower, and sunshine prompts!)

The ravens watch,
the ravens wait,
in inked repose,
with shrugging wings
and beckoning beaks,
patiently, patiently.
Through wailing winds
and bagpipe's dirge,
as violets paper
frost rimed ground
with cloying melt.

The ravens watch,
the ravens wait,
guarding against
the carrion birds,
throughout a battle
hard fought, yet lost.
The soul finally
relinquishing
it’s morbid home,
to be escorted
to parts unknown.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Cynthia,

    Very atmospheric. Although I can't let you suggest anything nasty about bagpipes! :0)
    The last five lines are especially good.

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  2. You might be tired of the gloom, but the poem works for me. :-) Nicely done.

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  3. Nice, again. It really is Po-esque (is that a word)? I like the sound of this one. "Inked repose" - nice phrase; I think you did a great job linking the metaphor of the ravens to death and to its looming presence. I haven't read one of your poems that I didn't really like. I can't believe readwritepoem is shutting down, there are a few people I'd like to keep following. You write to prompts really well.

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  4. I read this out loud and enjoyed it immensely! So very nice!

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  5. Many of us saw the same things in this, but as has been stated, you've created a darkness with your words.

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  6. I agree with Deb. You my be tired of gloom, but I am not tired of your beautiful writing. Excellent!
    Pamela

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  7. I like this. It's a nice echo back to Poe and reminds me of the premise upon which The Crow comics and movies were based (a crow carries your soul to its resting place). Nicely done.

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