Devil's Crossing

Early the hour, before the sunrise.
Groggy from the rigors of moral stress.
I found myself quite numb with sullen eyes.
After a night, fighting my demoness.

She had me bound to a bottle of drink.
Which I could not escape, alcoholic.
And with my grog, like any dog would think,
I hit the bricks for chicks that would frolic.

And like some tales with a moral conflict,
The Lord was working on a plan for me
To find my way back to holy edict
And leave my demons by the burning sea.

The plot was different than you might surmise.
Instead of showing the light, he showed me
The dark, how clever the Lord in his guise.
Loosing the imp to meet me so early.

In the morning, foggy, loom and low sight.
Mephistopheles met me on the road.
Shadowy and dark as pitch, Hell was right
Beside me as I rode, my soul to goad.

A thing of black and hate was standing there
Looking at me, looking at my meager soul.
Dear God!  My soul!  It wants my soul to bare!!!
No dream, no drink!  This is real, this black hole!

I fled, rushing past it, just out of reach.
The hideous darkness nodded toward me,
And I scrambled for my life past the breach.
And away!  AWAY!  No look back to see. 

It was miles before I caught my breath.
With time to think, I had no doubts on this.
Satan himself was given course to set 
About pulling my soul to the abyss.

The Lord must have only given a pass
To let the dark be seen, but not to take.
The Devil did oblige ever so crass.
He scared out the evil for Heaven’s sake.


Inspiration:

Early on a foggy, pre-dawn morning in February, 2007 while driving through Rand, West 
Virginia I saw something that terrified me to my core standing just off the edge of the road.  
I realize how this sounds, but given the circumstances of my life at the time, I firmly believe 
that what I saw that morning was Satan himself.  I haven’t been the same since, changed for 
the better.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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

Freeman Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Beau, Thank you for supporting my contest with your entry. Congratulations, Agape, Moses
Devonshire Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 7:35 AM
Great poem, Beau. Enjoyed being part of this paranormal journey. Congratulations on your success in John's contest! Love, Carolyn
Sweetheart Avatar
February 27, 2010 at 7:23 AM
Congrats Beau on your third place win in the Paranormal contest.. a wonderful write and amazing win.. enjoy your special victory..luv.. "Sweetheart" of Poetry Soup ..Linda-Marie..
Freeman Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 7:22 PM
I want to graciously thank you for supporting my contest. Sincerely, Moses
Buckling Avatar
December 28, 2009 at 9:57 AM
It was indeed Yoni. Sometimes I think its the details that you don't see that are the most terrifying. That shadowy thing that I saw was not much more than a silhouette and had little effect compared to the feelings and emotions perceived. It was as if the Devil skipped past my five senses and went straight for my soul. Thanks for reading.
Dvorkis Avatar
December 26, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Definitely an alternative method to be inspired, but inspiration all the same. I'm curious what the main man looked like, you mention a dark black thing of ugliness, sounds like a truly terrifying experience.
Haick Avatar
December 17, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Great write, Beau! I'm glad you now see things differently! Stay in the light! God bless you always! Peace and love, Audrey
Culverhouse Avatar
December 17, 2009 at 3:46 PM
great poem, I am glad you were able to make a change for the better!! God bless you on the holidays
Nunn Avatar
December 17, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Good write about a scary tale of seeing the Devil himself...I have dealt with the old boy a few times..thanks on Old Soldier...I wrote that about my Dad that was wounded in WWII in Europe...until the day that died at 65, he still had those nightmare...Merry Christmas...Danny
Brown Avatar
December 17, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Thank you for sharing your outstanding poetry with us today Beau. I enjoyed reading it. Love, Carol
Shango Avatar
December 17, 2009 at 6:38 AM
A great epic write ... a contemporary Pilgrims Progress ... a formidable poem that echoes Dante, Milton and Blake. Love it! Thanks for reading my humble work, your lofty ones forgive me for the desire to emulate.
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