John Michaels Poet Rhyme

Chimera World

Misleading, minacious maze now thwarted,
eschews stealth as sandal-clad steps resound.
Determined and dour, destiny draws near;
completing this quest: forever renowned.

Stygian sky grants a much-welcomed boon:
conformable clouds cast curtain aside.
A radiant pearl suspended aloft,
reveals route to where foul fiend does reside.

Mouthing prayers to a personal angel;
supplication: salient and silent.
Head held high, eyes fixed firmly on heaven;
bless these dark deeds, bloody and violent.

Sharpened silvern sword raised proudly aloft;
unblemished blade mirrors midnight’s moon-light.
Utters an oath sworn at parents’ graveside;
tonight sees the zenith of a birthright.

Shrieks fill the air, inhuman and hungry;
hero’s hammering heart reaches its peak.
Fear is just fleeting, for foe has arrived;
savage beast attacks with claw and with beak.

Garden’s guardian inflicts ghastly gash;
‘tis nary a scratch for warrior’s might.
Unyielding weapon wielded with such flair
finally - fatally - settles the fight.

Chimera confronted, cowed and conquered;
tales of this victory regaled forthwith.
A marble mosaic marvel beckons
and once-true events pass straight into myth.

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February 2017

An apology for any students (or masters) of classical mythology.  I’ve used a fair bit of poetic licence with the events leading to the death of the Chimera... but I was raised on a diet of Ray Harryhausen and this was my homage to his creature features!

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Written for the “Chimera World” contest sponsored by Nayda Ivette Negron - Eighth Place.  The following restrictions applied:

“1 original poem that uses the following words: mosaic, maze, moon, guardian, garden, angel, heaven, heart, midnight and clouds.”

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Robert Lindley March 16, 2017 at 1:54 PM Love this imaginative creation John. Solid 7 and a pleasure to read today! John Michaels March 19, 2017 at 7:27 AM That's most kind. Thanks very much, Robert!

Claudia Polydoro February 19, 2017 at 11:03 AM Congrats on your placment, John :) John Michaels February 25, 2017 at 4:33 AM Thanks for your comments. Congrats to you, too.

Pandita Sietesantos February 19, 2017 at 9:38 AM Hi John, just swinging back to offer big congratulations on a well-deserved win! Hugs. Pandita John Michaels February 25, 2017 at 4:33 AM Thanks, Pandita. Support appreciated as always :)

Nayda Ivette Negron Flores February 17, 2017 at 6:01 PM Congratulations John in the placement of the contest. Excellent use of alliteration. John Michaels February 18, 2017 at 6:31 AM Thank you for your feedback - and for running the competition!

Laura Leiser February 16, 2017 at 3:23 PM Your poem is masterfully composed and deserves a top billing in this contest, John! You delved so deeply into the subject with great imagery and complex phrasing throughout! Wonderful :) John Michaels February 18, 2017 at 6:34 AM Wow, that's some amazing feedback. I'm so grateful for your kind comments.

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen February 16, 2017 at 8:13 AM Very well done, John. It is a winner in my view. John Michaels February 16, 2017 at 1:18 PM That's very kind of you to say. Many thanks for your comments.

Pandita Sietesantos February 15, 2017 at 7:39 AM What an intriguing Chimera! Love the wonderful imagery and awesome alliteration! A 7 in my books! Good luck in the contest, my friend! Pandita John Michaels February 16, 2017 at 1:18 PM Thanks for the great comments, Pandita. I do like alliteration if I can make it work, so thanks for noticing. Best of luck to you, too!!