Notes About The Poem

July 5, 2025

For the contest, "Gate of Gates" by Constance La France

Gate for the Dead

Built in the middle of Nowhere,
A gate of turquoise, very rare,
A sculptor carved a figurehead,
The gate was built to guard the dead.

It's best to come on full-moon night,
for the dead don't care for sunlight.
GHOSTLY music is often heard,
And one unidentified word.

It's said, on a September date,
GROANING is heard near the big gate.
GRIEF-STRICKEN singing to the crowd?
Even here, I think not allowed.

Perhaps, in that spot you call GRAVE,
Was, all along, a gateman's slave.
Although GOSSAMER clouds float by,
A GODFORSAKEN place to die!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

La France Avatar
August 19, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ann, congratulations on your win in my contest, Gate/Gates Contest. Your poem is well done and I like it. Constance
Peck Avatar
August 20, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Thank you so much, Constance! It was such a good topic!
Goldsmith Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful "Gate for the Dead" write/story again. I have been off the computer for a few days. Have a blessed day with your win................
Peck Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Thank you, sweet Paula. I appreciate your comments.
Rodrigues Avatar
July 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Congrats, Ann! Loved that first verse!
Peck Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Thanks, Kim. I love fun contests like that :)
Fowler Avatar
July 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Best to stay home during a full mon, it seems. :) Congratulations Ann! :)
Peck Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 5:26 PM
And pull the covers over your head :) Thanks, Linda
Andresen Avatar
July 11, 2025 at 5:04 AM
- Congratulations on your great win in the contest, Ann :) - hugs
Peck Avatar
September 3, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Thanks so much, Anne-Lise! So much fun to write about spooky things (and then run-hide)
Goldsmith Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 9:26 AM
What a wonderful "Gate for the Dead" write/story you have here. Great last line. It sure would be. "Good Luck" I also did this contest. Have a blessed day writing away.........
Peck Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Thanks so much, Paula! Tough words to form poetry around! Good luck!
Vaso Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 1:51 AM
The gate seems to be in Gaza now, powerful poem.
Peck Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Yes, it does, and it's very sad. Thanks for commenting.
M  Avatar
July 5, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Wow Ann that's a hauntingly scary poem...l absolutely love it! So well written and leaving me with a real restless feel! Debx
Peck Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Oh good! I'm so glad is haunting! It pretty much had to be with the words she gave us! Just don't go there when moon is full! :)
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