Farewell To a Gladiator---Short Shrift

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Tears may shadow eyes but do not drown the thunder They've deafened me with honor as I slay my friend He has perished by my sword, but has thanked me for his freedom! How odd is a world that cheers a gladiator on his darkest day with a badge of irony, and a defeated spirit! While a noon sun dims, seeming to eclipse all time... the earth moves in slow motion I am not afraid... as the sound of vultures prey and my vision slowly fades For no one can win... My only salvation is becoming the prey, instead Puffs of dust now rise... around my feet, there is a sea My blood spills, setting me free ! ---------------------------------------------- 6/30/15 For John Lawless Contest: "Short Shrift"

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Eve Roper

Date: 7/18/2015 4:30:00 PM

Outstanding write but you always do have the gift of writting. A winner and a 7++

Tim Ryerson

Date: 6/30/2015 4:51:00 PM

I looked up the definition of a 'Short Shift' and STILL have no idea what John is looking for but I entered anyway...I tried to mix a little humor mixed with dread in mine...As far as YOURS goes, every-single-line is a gem but the last verse just blew my mind! Whew! What a poem...

Carrie Richards
Date: 6/30/2015 5:18:00 PM

Lol !! I don't know exactly what he means either.....but took a chance after reading someone else's entry! I may be way off base, but,....oh well !!! ha ha !! Gave it a shot ! (I am not familiar with the short-shift term) obviously !!