Almost Lost

Incessantly it trods and plods
perpetual the pendulum.
So long before the abbey bells
tolled and told of hours passing
before the ticks and tocks of clocks
or shadows crept with solstice gods
no one to worship at its start
that knew not of a perfect love.

The kindest heart left drowned in tears
and wrapped in gross deformity,
yet sheltered by cathedral walls
in disrepair as much as he.
'til Esmerelda's gentle hand,
he knew no love, just hate and scorn
and like the brand from tempered flame,
it's burning love that made him strong.

So like the edifice was he,
an ugly house that held God's love
and Quasimodo's lonely heart
who'd toll the bells that silence hears.
Then in the end he found her dead
and sacrificed his mortal life
to sleep with one who truly gave
the only love he'd ever known.

Interred, yet not forsaken souls,
whose bones became entangled vines
that turned to dust when first exposed,
then blew to heaven ~ found in time...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ashley Avatar
September 28, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Dear Craig, your poetic finesse simply stuns my heart and imagination. Although I should be used to it by now :) This is beautiful in very way. So evocative, emotive and creative in the use of poignant language to tell the classic story. Deeply moving. Congratulations for your success in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Crandall Avatar
September 25, 2025 at 7:53 PM
eloquent and engaging poem - never read, the book (or seen any of the movies), but it's making me want to get the book.
Radice Avatar
September 25, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Beautifully written. Loved it all but, Heck, your second verse is masterful. Cheers - Gary
Godwin Avatar
September 22, 2025 at 8:48 AM
I am impressed and dazzled by the poem, enjoyed the read very much, Craig. Congratulations on your placement in the contest. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
Onclaud Avatar
September 21, 2025 at 8:31 PM
i had left hunchback in the backbseat of late grade school years only to be haunted again by your engrossing work, craig...societal deformity through conflicts between rich and poor ,and unrequited love still ring timeless to this day...likewise your empathetic portrayal of life through these characters' eyes... searing, vulnerable gem from your treasure chest!...congrats!
Toney Avatar
September 21, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Craig, love your retelling of Quasimodo’s timeless story that highlights love’s power to redeem even in tragedy. A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 17 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 18 has already started.
Dietrich Avatar
September 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Always loved that story. You romanticized it and did the legend great justice.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace