Each Night He Heard Steps of Death's Forward Guard

Each Night He Heard Steps Of Death's Forward Guard
   (Stand Back, I Got This One His Muse Cried)

He was now old, ancient, older than dirt
even his tired bones ached, everything hurt.
Those bad dreams, on and on they swiftly came
horrible images of he hobbled and lame!

What cursed ravages Time and Fate had wrought
now still alive, he knew his soul was caught.
Gone are days of living, sweet love and joy
small relief found, dreaming he was a boy.

Each night he heard steps of death's forward guard
enduring such fear, living was too hard!
Yet try as he may, no remedy was found
soon he would be planted in cold hard ground!

Dawn, into that long dark shadow he fell
with one foreboding thought, Heaven or Hell?

Robert J. Lindley, 4-16-2017

Syllables Per Line: 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 10 0 10 10
Total # Syllables: 142
Total # Words: 114

Note:

I chose to write a dark and sad sonnet about old age and facing death...
Well actually my muse chose (not I), I was just too tired to fight her and just wise enough to let her take control for a change..
Upon completion, I turned to give her my sincere thanks.

I found that she had quickly far away fled
I found a rather interesting note instead
Here is the truth and best of it that I read
for these informative words she said
I hope soon into that dark shadow you step
so many a year now, I have grieved and wept
As my host you have given me great grief
your passing shall me gift me my relief
I wrote those verses giving me comfort and joy
to me you are just a sad and broken old toy
When into that shadow you may soon fall
I hope you crash into that giant fiery ball
Now leave me be, I want to take a long break
you are a cantankerous old man I forsake
Now folks, fear not, this note has often been read
wrote each of the hundreds of times she has fled
Later she comes back with words mellow and sweet
with presents and bowing while washing my feet
I forgive her each time and onward we race
I can not resist her lips, that beautiful face.

ALL WRITTEN WITH IMAGINATION AND LOADS OF POETIC LEEWAY....

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 4/18/2017 7:07:00 AM
Good Morning Robert. Bless the old man. And yes, bless you and your writing and poetic pen. May inspiration be with you and your pen always because you have such talent and skill. Honestly. Always is it an honor turning to your page and work. Well done completely.
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Date: 4/17/2017 11:20:00 AM
brilliant, descriptions so thought provoking, very well done hugsx
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Date: 4/16/2017 8:34:00 PM
Oh the muses can be so unkind but how wonderful when they are sweet and mellow! I hope you will be writing all your life, Robert. Happy EAster to you.
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Date: 4/16/2017 2:18:00 PM
...and written with 'loads' of talent and creativity Robert:) I enjoy your 'life' pieces. This may be somber but it's a reality we all face. It can feel all consuming at times and your words convey the weariness and angst wonderfully. The companion piece 'thanking your muse' is full of dark humour and an excellent read:) a fave, 7+ Fantastic writing Robert:) blessings xxx
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Date: 4/16/2017 1:52:00 PM
Ah...muses can be quite contrary Robert. Mine won't let me sleep even though I beg. I enjoyed both poems very much Robert. I can certainly relate to the age of feeling aches and pains from it. Wonderful to read this Easter day. I hope it does real well in the contest my friend. Easter Blessings, Connie ; )
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