Coming of Age

In the chapel wherein he laid
His final moments here on earth,
Mirrored image of one’s boyhood
Stands he to claim his scabbard blade,
The chance to prove his manhood.
His mother chides him of his birth
Begs her the need to prove his worth,
His load is heavy the mist swirls
With sword in hand a stab he hurls,
Choice of opponent augurs well
For his father’s champion fell.
Mortal flame in constant bedeck
Life’s been a tombstone round his neck,
Needs the journey for which to trek.
His thirst for blood flows from many
Greed for gold and silver penny,
His ships glide portly on the tide
Needs to be by his mother’s side.
A man he thinks he has become
Yet all the folk at home had fled,
No one listens to his humdrum
When he returns to find her dead!

 © Harry J Horsman 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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

Proxenos Avatar
January 24, 2020 at 9:08 AM
A wonderful write, has a Shakespearean flavor to it. Best wishes for the contest Harry. Blessings, Jennifer.
Deo Avatar
January 14, 2020 at 5:49 PM
strict rhyme and metre alright. ALL RIGHT, ALL WRITE!
Trifiatis Avatar
January 14, 2020 at 3:50 AM
A harmonious poem masterfully written dear, harry! Congratulations!
Ligon Avatar
January 13, 2020 at 9:03 PM
Powerful tale. Well done on the form. (Seems like it would be difficult.)
Laurie Avatar
January 13, 2020 at 4:51 PM
Hello Harry … meter and rhyme; great. Very interesting tale indeed - thank you Harry - Lindsay
Devonshire Avatar
January 13, 2020 at 1:16 PM
Harry, "Life's been a tombstone around his neck" is so profound and conjures a sad image. His mother seems cruel to rue the day he was born. And then, just when he thought he was a man she would be proud of, she's dead. Speaks to the irony of life and the hardships we carry with us. Excellent writing, my friend. Best wishes in the contest! Hugs, Carolyn
Cunningham Avatar
January 13, 2020 at 12:12 PM
Enjoyed your verse Harry, nice imagery. Good luck in the contest. Tom
Pandit Avatar
January 13, 2020 at 6:59 AM
WOW! This is awesome--kudos for the rhyme and meter but also for the story. Excellent, Harry.
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