Premiere Contest WinnerDesolate Dynasty

Encased in an isolated castle of an old fool’s paradise,  
A decaying dagger rests upon a distressed oak table.  
Frayed book pages scatter across termite-riddled floors.  
The calligraphy carries echoes of triumphant battles,  
Vividly etched in ink.  

A revered legacy is forgotten in decades of decay,  
Its inked glory fading into disarray.  
Reminiscing of bygone days when youth was a sturdy partner at my behest,  
Now weathered crimson dahlias adorn the windowsills  
Of a desolate dynasty,  
As the last petal falls.  
Echoes of faded footsteps can be heard within the empty halls of waste.  

What remains is a golden crown with sanguine marquise  
Resting heavily upon an exile’s head.  
How do I conquer the bloodstained fear trickling within the fractals,  
Reflecting off the scorching sun that swallows flames,  
Swirling around the ashen pyre  
Of the poetic corpses I’ve slain for validation?  

An inquisition paints a vicious vermilion  
Within the sobbing stained glass.  
The once-perfect porcelain flesh of our legacy is flayed,  
Surrounded by the whispers of forgotten souls.  
Cobwebs drape over shattered dreams,  
As beams of light punctuate looming shadows.  

Concealed beneath cold stone lies the family crypt,  
Patiently awaiting its reluctant visitor,  
Beckoning the exalt through clandestine corridors.  
Within the hushed chamber of undying slumber,  
He recalls the tragic tale.  

Before him stand his beloved wife and children,  
Forever ensnared in the clutches of eternal sleep.  
Echoes of the past replay like eerie shadows,  
Retelling the grim chronicle of their demise.  
His envious, wrathful younger brother succumbed  
To the greed of his own ambition.  

In the darkness hour of that dreadful night, the dagger-wielding usurper  
Plunged their existence into oblivion,  
Casting spirits of suppressed speeches to weep  
Within wailing walls.  
Now I am the cerulean dusk of the gloaming,  
A burnt-out waxen ivory,  
The candle before their tombstone.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Rodrigues Avatar
March 12, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Emotive, alliterative, packed with imagery! Congrats on POTD! … Now weathered crimson dahlias adorn the windowsills
Ashley Avatar
March 6, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Dear Billie, I was struck by your subtle yet splendid use of assonance and alliteration. Fantastic imagery, dark, rich, emotive and evocative. I especially loved your last two lines for an impactful, visual and visceral finale. Congratulations for your shining trophy win in Sara's contest with this haunting poetic expression of mournful heartache. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Peck Avatar
March 6, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Beautiful writing! It would make a great book! Congratulations!
Jama Avatar
March 6, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Thank you for writing on my contest. Congratulations on your placement. You tell such a sorrowful gothic story with this write. I absolutely love the depth and thoughtfulness of this write. There are so many well crafted lines throughout. From "Forever ensnared in the clutches of eternal sleep." To "Casting spirits of suppressed speeches to weep, Within wailing walls." I hope to see you write for future contests.
Nicole Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Giving in to ' greed ' or letting ' envy ' overpower you is very dangerous, indeed. Lives are taken and many suffer because of it. Congratulations Billie, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Jama Avatar
March 4, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Greetings Brandy, thank you kindly I liked my storytelling.
Goldsmith Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. What a creative write/story you have here. Have a blessed day/week writing away...........
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Thank you so much for reading my poem. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Gifford Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Hello Bellie, congratulations on your POTD win win with this beautiful write. Wishing you a wonderful new week.
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Thank you very much. I hope you have a beautiful week too.
Rodgers Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Dear Billie, your words carved straight into my soul for they are so raw, haunting, and achingly beautiful. You really deal with loss and the weight of time, yet your artistry is eternal. POTD is beyond deserved. Keep shining! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Jama Avatar
March 4, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Hi Daniel, I'm so pleased that this piece resonated with you and you enjoyed the art history of it. I am overjoyed by the response to my piece of creative writing
Mckeithan Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Congratulations on your POTD. Well written
Empress Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Hi sis, this is so powerful and flows so well with such exquisite diction and brilliant metaphors and how youv painted imagery is what exactly sara would like for the contest, i love so many lines in this, but it is no surprise as you always write so well! I especially love the ending! So powerful and soulfully moving and leaves the reader hooked too from the very first line! It is the little details that really makes this worthy of all the accolades! Congratulations on your well deserved POTD! Im so happy and thrilled for you!!! Best wishes for the contest! Youv nailed it! Youve used all the words that truly fits the theme of the poem ! Fave it is for me
Jama Avatar
March 4, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Thank you so much sis. Your support and guidance has made me a better writer. I'm so glad to have you as I friend. Did you always inspire me to reach my full potential.
Seeker Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 3:57 AM
A gory, melancholic picture painted so vividly! Congratulations on POTD, Billie
Jama Avatar
March 4, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Thank you kindly, I'm so glad you enjoyed the imagery throughout this piece.
Kitchin Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Billie, a powerful poem, congratulations on POTD.
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I'm so pleased to have made POTD
Jones Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 2:38 AM
So excited to see you here! I admire your free styling skills! Congratulations on your potd!
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Thank you truly for such kinds words. I'm over joyed to have it as potd
Andresen Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 1:12 AM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Billie :) - hugs
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Thank you dearly much appreciated
Edmonds  Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 12:37 AM
An incredible read Billie. Congratulations on receiving the honour of poem of the day… Beryl
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Thank you kindly, it was fun to write. I can't believe it's POTD, I am honoured
Cunningham Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 12:31 AM
An enjoyable read Billie congratulations to you on the honour of POTD. Tom
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Thanks I'm pleased you liked my piece of creative writing. It is indeed an great honour, I am humbled
Liguori Avatar
March 2, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Wonderful poem! What a dazzling ride you bring us through!!!
Jama Avatar
March 3, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Thanks Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed
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