Keith Dovoric Poet Epyllion

Bridge over Styx

Just like that —
Bridges fall hard 
Like a pile of sticks 
In your backyard 
Against deceit,
Be on your guard
And of betrayal, be wary 

A bond that lasted 
Twenty years 
One day, wake up —
Disappears 
A shroud of darkness,
Anger and tears 
Like a coal mine eating a canary 

So don’t look down — 
When you’re crossin’ that mighty Styx
And your friends line up for the gauntlet
As they try to get in their licks 

A friend in need?
Who needs that?
Inconvenience 
Is like old hat 
And we won’t sit where 
Poor dupes have set 
On the idiot stools of loyalty 

Yeah, selfishness
Is a better bet 
Bet the coins on your eyes
What you can get 
From the shore of memory, 
The sun will set 
And each of us will feel like royalty

So don’t look down 

Tryin’ to make a safe passage
Into later life 
But holdin’ onto old relationships 
Is like standin’ on a sharpened knife 

No don’t look down — 
You’re crossin’ that River Styx
Where your friends line up for the gauntlet
Tryin’ to get in last licks

♡Like0

Share 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

Danny Derden September 21, 2025 at 11:53 AM This poem is a striking and poignant look at the pain of betrayal and the difficult choice to let go of a relationship that has become toxic. The title, "Bridge over Styx," immediately sets a powerful tone.