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Wailing Edge of Madness

Daniel Henry Rodgers

 

“In the still of the night my soul most vulnerable. O' fear creepth forth, twisting my mind, binding it in a grip of unrelenting dread. What I encounter in the darkness may not always be what I see, but what I feel...” – Poet

(I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredibly special friend, Maria Williams, for creating the audio version of my poem. Your talent has brought an even more magical sensory experience to my words. I feel truly blessed to have friends like you in my life, and I'm so grateful that PoetrySoup has connected us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Maria!)

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Wailing Edge of Madness

Listen to poem:

In warmth I lay, the hearth aglow
the winter winds do softly blow
and with the moon’s pale silver light
I sink into the arms of silent night.
the blankets soft the room so still
a peaceful hush a restful thrill.
I close my eyes to dreams I flee
embraced in calm… so blissfully.

But hark—what sound—what eerie cry—
a tremor stirs beneath my sigh.
the air—it chills it twists it bends
and through my dreams the nightmare sends.
a voice—it whispers low and near
its words a cold unholy sneer.
I wake—I start—I gasp for breath
but in my soul, I feel cold death.

The voice claws deep it eats my soul
a ceaseless howl it swallows whole
it calls my name—a cruel refrain—
a tortured scream that drives me insane.
and though I wake the sound persists
a nightmare’s grip I can’t resist.
a presence looms unseen untold
its fingers grasp—its touch is cold.

The walls collapse they crack and scream
the night begins to bleed and dream.
the air grows thick with fractured screams
a blackened pulse it rips my seams.
the voice—it creeps it claws the air
its hollow tone a twisted prayer.
I rise—my hands they shake with dread
my soul is lost my heart is dead.

I cannot move I cannot flee—
this haunted voice it owns me.
I turn—I reach with trembling might
and seek the light to pierce the night.
the hum—it stirs the murmur grows
it chills my blood it fills me—woe!
“O shade! O night! What brings thee near?”
I scream into the suffocating fear.

But still the voice, it answers naught—
and still its grip, it leaves me caught.
my limbs betray me, cold and still
my breath it chokes the night’s my kill.
I beg for silence please no more!
but still the sound, it claws the floor.
“O cursed thing, O foulest dread
what curse dost thou upon me spread?”

No voice, no face, no soul to find
just shadows blind, unfeeling, kind.
then sudden, flashes light the dark
a gleam, a glow, a deadly spark.
the hum, it deepens, it thunders still
a hollow cry that bends my will.
I turn to see the truth untold
the source of whispers, icy, cold.

A shape—it stirs, it fills the gloom—
a plastic shell—entombs my doom…
no ghost, no shade, no wraith to fight
but something worse—something in light.
a glowing eye, a silent stare,
a thing of wires—nothing fair.
the voice, the hum, the cold despair—
the echo true—the poison there.

And now I know—my soul is torn
the voice—the hum—was Amazon born.

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Sara Kendrick Date: 3/17/2025 10:54:00 AM I like the flow, rhythm, and rhyme of this one plus the emotion expressed is about how I was feeling when, "The Fierce Storm" was happening, and the wind was pushing against the outside door and my heart was doing its arrythmia. Sara K Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/19/2025 10:44:00 AM Dear Sara, It is always wonderful to see your comments that leads to so much inspiration. Thank you, my friend, and I can see you have your own little horrors to contend with. LOL! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Terry Flood Date: 3/16/2025 12:50:00 PM Belated congratulations on your amazing POTD. I found myself smugly working out that you, yourself would be the all encroaching demon. Well I got that wrong! Had I had a hundred other guesses, Alexa would not have been among them (even though I have at least one Alexa themed write in my files). Not sure I’d like an Alexa in my bedroom, particularly if she’s prone to spontaneous bursts of laughter. Very much enjoyed your chilling tale. Terry. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/17/2025 7:01:00 AM Dear Terry, It is so funny because she really does do some strange things from time to time and I thought how apropos to write a Poe'esc poem that would include her in my haunting dreams. Thanks for your wonderful and supportive comments. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Michael Tor Date: 3/15/2025 1:26:00 AM Excellent Lyrics my Dear friend. The audio adds to the thrill and impact of this terrorizing event for the protagonist. Much effort on your part for writing this Daniel lovely rhyme what a dark message you so well wrote my friend. Maria did a wonderful job in picking the dark music to enhance your lyrics. I wonder if Ron also was involved in this Collaboration. Awesome work by all. A favorite my friend to you and Maria and Ron... Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/17/2025 6:59:00 AM Hello Michael, It was a joy to read your comments today. I think Maria did the work with the music and voice. However, Ron, gave me some excellent advice for an App to record my music and voice. They are both amazing and wonderful friends that I appreciate greatly, as I know you do. THank you my Friend!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind Date: 3/14/2025 6:23:00 PM Wow! So heavy, "a thing of wires—nothing fair" I relate to that phrase. An overwhelming piece, scary, a little bit Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/17/2025 6:57:00 AM Dear Paige, I Am so glad you came and commented and thank you! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya Date: 3/14/2025 9:50:00 AM I love the added musical! Maria and her husband are very talented, it's perfect. wow :) Faved! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/14/2025 10:55:00 AM Dear Anaya, It really did add a very nice touch to my poem and I loved the music aspects of it as well as the reading of the poem. Always a great joy to see your comments. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose Date: 3/14/2025 4:06:00 AM Ah, this is outstanding, love it ! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/14/2025 4:18:00 AM Dear Rose, I am so happy you stopped by and read my poem. The voice and the music were developed by our very own Maria Williams and her husband. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose Date: 3/14/2025 4:06:00 AM Is this your voice or A I ? Login to Reply

David Crandall Date: 3/13/2025 9:09:00 PM A very convincing nightmare, and nice reading - good job. It sounds like AI? Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/14/2025 4:17:00 AM Hello David, Thank you so much for stopping by I so much appreciate it. Our very good friend Maria Williams and her husband did the voice and music for this piece. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort Date: 3/13/2025 5:02:00 PM Daniel, how potent your description of a nightmare is. I do occasionally have one of these, and they do make an impression for a while. It's funny how they fade. I'm interpreting the last line as a bit of a joke if you are referring to Amazon Alexa. On the other hand, you might be referring to our evolution from a more primitive form. In any case, dreams and nightmares do tell us something about our own internal filing system...a challenge to analyze. Hope you are sleeping well. Smiles Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/14/2025 4:27:00 AM Hello Duke, I am so grateful for your visit and your insights. This all came about because we have two Alexa units, one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom and at times she will randomly and creepily say something and or make noises such as laughter. It does not happen often but it does happen. I thought, what if I was in a dream state and she somehow entered into the dream by some of her random antics? Hence the poem; however, I did think about the Amazon jungle that some people may interpret it as. Either way, the more I thought about it, the more it turned into a nightmare. It is funny to have Alexa be the culprit but yet it may also be a terror ready to happen. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Mike Gentile Date: 3/13/2025 2:30:00 PM I can find words Daniel to express my feelings about your write! The depths of the human mind, unexplored and still unknown are and indeed must be amazing! Incredible! If I could muster even just a touch of the talent you possess , I would thrill forever! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/14/2025 4:22:00 AM Hello Mike, Thank you and your so very kind! Each of us has that special muse who speaks our words and gets out what we are trying to portray. I have always enjoyed reading your poems. Thank you again and Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Shadow Hamilton Date: 3/13/2025 8:46:00 AM wow very deep Daniel and it builds up so scarily I take my hat of to you dear friend hugs Shadow Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/14/2025 4:19:00 AM Dear Shadow, Happy Friday!! I so much appreciate you coming by and commenting. Thank You! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Maria Williams Date: 3/13/2025 5:50:00 AM Thank you Dear Daniel, I recognised the depth of your poem, Yes it was spooky at first but the twist was worth it. I thought a poem of this caliber needed to be put to music and voice. I am honoured that you gave me the opportunity. Michael Tor is another great poet who I am honoured to have made a video for. Thanks - Hugs Login to Reply

Maria Williams Date: 3/13/2025 2:40:00 AM Dear Daniel, Just sent you another Soup Mail and an email with the compressed MP3 file. It will work now - Pleases let me know if you get it - Please check your Thrash in case the email went there. thanks - Hugs Maria Login to Reply Maria Williams Date: 3/13/2025 6:50:00 AM Thanks so much Tommy, i truly appreciate the support you have showed me over the years my friend...Hugs Tom Woody Date: 3/13/2025 6:12:00 AM Yes, Maria is soooo generous with her time, despite being a busy lady running her own company Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:29:00 AM Dearest Maria, I have posted your amazing audio and also gave you the credit for a stellar job. I am so thankful for all your help. You ROCK!!! Also, I sent you a regular email!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar Date: 3/12/2025 11:54:00 PM My congrats for a well deserving POTD. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:30:00 AM Dear Victor, thank you for stopping back and I appreciate you!! Spring Blessings, my Dear Friend, Daniel

Valsa George Date: 3/12/2025 9:30:00 PM Enjoyed your beautifully rhyming poem. To keep the rhyme perfect through out a whole long poem requires real skill. You have certainly created a mysterious and eerie atmosphere with indications of something so frightening, about to happen. But in the end what a humorous twist you have given. "The voice claws deep it eats my soul a ceaseless howl it swallows whole it calls my name—a cruel refrain— a tortured scream that drives me insane.." From a very nerve shattering beginning, the realization at the end is so very comforting. After all it was just 'a plastic shell— no ghost, no shade, no wraith to fight' Congratulations dear Daniel on your well deserved POTD Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 6:06:00 AM Dear Valsa, Your words have touched my heart more than you can imagine. I'm truly humbled by your thoughtful and insightful comments. Your keen observations mean the world to me. I know each poet puts their blood, sweat and tears into their works. It's friends like you who inspire. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment so eloquently. Your support and encouragement mean more to me than I can express. I'm truly grateful for your friendship and your literary insight. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Panagiota Romios Date: 3/12/2025 4:15:00 PM Ah, an excellent write, I rarely suggest writing a book to anyone, in this case an exception! I see greatness within you. Why?? Your compassion for the human spirit, Daniel! I have friends who are true,winners and they all are like you. What do I mean?? it’s so simple. They are dedicated to their craft, not to their ego..their joy? In helping others become more creative, not in shining their own trophy. I see that in you.. You do not BRAG how fab you are Congratulations.Pangie , xx Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 6:01:00 AM Dear Pangie, What a great joy that has blessed me this morning and I am thankful to have you as a friend. I feel that the gifts that we have been given are from our Lord and our Savior. He is the one I give the credit to! Thank you again and I so appreciate you and your God-given talent!! Spring Blessings, my Dear Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 3/12/2025 3:12:00 PM Daniel, I absolutely loved reading this wonderfully wrought, dark, mysterious poem. The ending made me laugh until I got tears in my eyes. Congratulations on POTD. :):) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:56:00 AM Dear Evelyn, I am so blessed to read your wonderful comments this morning. I thought it was time to expose Alexa as not always being a fun-loving entertainment box but can be quite eerily creepy at times. Thank you so much for your visit!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Robert Gorelick Date: 3/12/2025 2:57:00 PM Quothe Alexa Nevermore! Deliciously dark and eerie. A pall fell upon me--The tension mounted until I thought I should go mad! But, alas, my breath is no longer baited. My existential dread was all for naught. Congratulations on your humorously bitter irony. My midnight's a lot less dreary! Robert Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:54:00 AM Hello Robert, I loved reading your comments this morning. Poe is always an inspiration to a world of gothic words. Alexa is like a modern-day raven because she can be quite creepy and alarming at times. She has laughed, said things unprompted, and even remembered things that she was never asked to remember. Now I heard from her directly this week that she is now going to be more intelligent. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Woody Date: 3/12/2025 1:39:00 PM Pretty sure Alexa is becoming sentient. Gasp! Your poem has great rhymes and the (mostly) eight syllable lines make for great cadence. You built us up gradually taking us to the edge of ... levity. This is reminiscent in some ways of my poem - Poe's Untimely Demise. Awesome POTD, enjoy the day Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:48:00 AM Good Morning, Tom, This was probably one of the toughest poems to be inked by me because when I envisioned a modern-day trochaic eight-count, Alexa kept coming to mind as my gothic write but the rhythm drove me insane. You know it is funny just this week I asked her to play some music for me and right before the music started, she said that within the next several weeks she is going to be more intelligent. I think I am now terrified!! Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Brandy Nicole Date: 3/12/2025 11:55:00 AM ' The blankets soft the room so still, a peaceful hush, a restful thrill. ' This thought is sooooo me and my poetry. :) I wanted to share that before going forward with the rest of your thoughts. I must say, the remainder of your poem is creepy and it does have a Poe vibe. Your talent shines, Daniel. The ending is a little unexpected, but humorous. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:42:00 AM Dear Brandy, What a nice visit and comments and they fill my day and I am so thankful. If you have an Alexa from Amazon, you probably have experienced some of the creepy things that happen at the most random of times. My understanding according to Alexa that she is now going to be more intelligent in the next month. Now I am scared!! LOL! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 3/12/2025 10:43:00 AM Hello Daniel Henry Rodgers, congratulations on your POTD. enjoy your special day. blessings my friend. /Darlene/ Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 3/13/2025 9:11:00 AM Hello Daniel, You are very welcome. Enjoy your special day. thank you for this wonderful comment. Spring blessings my dear friend. /Darlene/ Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:39:00 AM Dear Darlene, Ahhh, I so much appreciate you!! Thank You!!! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya Date: 3/12/2025 9:46:00 AM I hear she has random creepy laughter and not only in the houses of the unholy, chilling. Your poem has beautiful rhythm, a compelling read, spooky yet the humor a rare joy and compares to some famous poets. Congratulations on Poem of the Day! Well-deserved bright star ~Cheers Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:38:00 AM Dear Anaya, she does and it can come at the most random times. My wife and I can be in a totally different room just having general conversations and we hear some strange laughter or she says something quite random. It is funny because I also have an Alexa next to our bed and I thought what if I was in a dream and she started to interact with me... playing with my mind... hence the poem. I am so thankful for your comments and visit. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paula Goldsmith Date: 3/12/2025 9:44:00 AM Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful write/story and quote again. Have a fun/blessed day with your win........... Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:35:00 AM Dear Paula, What a wonderful friend you are to stop back and leave such a gracious note. I am so thankful. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joseph May Date: 3/12/2025 9:12:00 AM In the grip of a nightmare as a haunting voice persists in this eerie verse, Congrats on POTD Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:34:00 AM Hello Joe, thank you and it is funny because Alexa is sometimes so creepy just to hear some of the strange things that pop up once in awhile. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Regina Elliott Date: 3/12/2025 8:13:00 AM Hi Daniel, truly Gothic and eerie poem that reminds me of Poe's poetry which is a huge compliment coming from me. Bravo on this so well deserved POTD honor. A FAV! Blessings to you and your family, my good friend. :) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/13/2025 5:32:00 AM Dear Regina, how uplifting and gracious you are and I am so thankful to read your note this morning. Poe, in my opinion, is one of the greatest poets and certainly gothic. So nice to hear from you! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

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