Debbie Guzzi Poet Choka

Death's Door

caves of agony 
hold my captured force fed form 
weapons befriend and kill me
blood sport brings death's teeth
the desiccating sun burns
my short sword and shield hold sway

what care I for wealth
freedom but a word unclaimed
a surly jest made by God's
only through death freed
may Hades receive my hosts
coin less beggars to Charon* 
fodder for hells cages 

I as they will live
victim and victor dancing
savior and devil howl "nay!"
for winning means hell
scared gladiator rise again
your feathered helmet gleaming
victory or death


*Charon is the boat man who ferries the death to Hades/ Hell
but he will not cross your soul without being paid.

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Justin Bordner July 27, 2012 at 11:21 PM Wow! - another masterpiece Debbie - perhaps you are a true master of this craft - Lots of rich metaphysics in this piece,freedom,death,wealth,arrogance,humility,etcetera - simply, a superb command of language & imagination - J.A.B. "From that undiscovered country from whose born,no travel returns..."

Andrea Dietrich June 6, 2012 at 9:13 PM I enjoy your choka here tonight too, Debs. I wonder why it didn't make the list with the others!! Debbie Guzzi June 7, 2012 at 8:15 AM perhaps causd Amy why she wanted a verse about Roman's in a Japanese form ;) I never did know when to keep my mouth shut LOL we should have at least been able to do samuri?

David Williams June 3, 2012 at 10:51 AM Deb, a great write, reminds of the Golden Fleece...soup mail...David

Richard Palmer June 2, 2012 at 6:55 PM my helmet is gleaming victory,so is yours after writing this great piece.Debbie