Notes About The Poem

For Contest: I Breathe

Sponsor: Ink Empress

17 November 2024
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I Breathe

I breathe; I think; I slumber and I wake
I feel; I hear; I scream for pity’s sake
I push; I shove with little left to give
But six feet neath new fallen leaves, I live

I breathe the fumes of my putrefaction 
As I lie cramped with limited action
I hear the sound of my life below ground
Six hundred years worth of worms slinking round

I feel the splinters of oak ’neath my nails 
Each - one less day till persistence prevails
I sense that I shall enjoy the night soon
And be undead by the light of my moon

And now, there it is; the smell of the night
Your silver glint in the sky gives me flight
Those who interred me are many years dead
Their progeny live; and I must be fed

Shall any man notice your renewed glee
Your moonlight to them is daylight to me
I knew you were waiting, o light of mine
For we are coupled by ancient design

Warm me, my moon, my midnight accomplice
Restore my flesh; we’ve much to accomplish
Descendants of men who left you to grieve
Shall scream in the night when they hear me breathe
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Radice Avatar
January 10, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Hey Terry I just came across this just now and I love it. A POE-m in my book. Such great imagery and atmosphere. Nice one. Cheers - Gary
Flood Avatar
January 10, 2025 at 3:23 PM
I’m always a little chuffed when an old(ish) poem gets some attention as they most often seem to fall off the edge of the world. so I’m chuffed that you found this and delighted that you enjoyed it. My head’s a bit of a vacuum right now; plenty of writes going nowhere but nothing concrete to share. So thanks for the Poe comparison, Gary… I’m suitably flattered ;-)
Sangster - K Avatar
November 29, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Congratulations Terry! I'm glad to see your captivating poem placed in Inks contest. Well done my friend :-)
Flood Avatar
December 1, 2024 at 12:01 PM
Thanks, Anne. Appreciated
Empress Avatar
November 29, 2024 at 3:50 AM
Dear Terry, i loved reading this and the way youv expressed throughout in such creative ways really stood out for me: especially the way youv written “ I sense that I shall enjoy the night soon And be undead by the light of my moon“ as someone that loves the moon those lines resonated and more! “ Warm me, my moon, my midnight accomplice Restore my flesh; we’ve much to accomplish” just so very beautiful!!! Love that ending. Your use of nature to depict your thoughts is what makes this worthy of a win! Thank you for sharing: congratulations on your win.
Flood Avatar
December 1, 2024 at 11:59 AM
Thank you. Wasn’t sure it was what you were looking for, so I’m chuffed with a placement. Terry
Messina Avatar
November 21, 2024 at 3:53 AM
This is such a cool write, Terry. I just wanted to read more (lol) Awesome my friend. Best wishes in the contest. Cheers Charlie
Flood Avatar
November 21, 2024 at 2:42 PM
Thanks, Charlie. Cool AND awesome… dare I ask for more. Much appreciated. Terry
Rodrigues Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 2:02 PM
I wrote a great comment earlier and then it wouldn’t post. Hopefully this one will. This write is bonechillingly haunting! Those kin best run where the beast can’t find them, but I think he might… Fave!
Flood Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 2:46 PM
Glad you enjoyed so much, Kim. And a fave is always a welcome pat on the back. Much appreciated. Terry
Sangster - K Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 12:23 PM
Hi Terry. Another enjoyable read for me today and the last stanza was the perfect bone chilling ending to your well crafted story :-) Have you seen the TV series "A discovery of Witches?
Flood Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 2:44 PM
Oops, sorry, not sure about ‘A discovery of witches’, I do a bit of googling..,
Flood Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 2:43 PM
Thank you, Anne. It does seem that I may have fallen into the same trap as you regarding the ‘third word’. I was too late to change mine as the contest is closed. I do feel there was room for interpretation, so we’ll wait and see ;-)
Dietrich Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 10:50 AM
this is a really good poem, Terry, especially kind of creepy , good for Halloween! I am seeing others like you writing I Breate for the title. But go look at Ink's rules again. She wants you to write about a noun such as I Breate Poetry/ I breathe happiness, etc. Hope people notice this!
Flood Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 11:23 AM
Thanks for the heads up, Andrea. Thought I’d look into the possibility of adapting this. Alas, I see the contest is closed, so I’ll take my chances, as I have no way of knowing if Inky has already read it. Glad you enjoyed, nonetheless.
M  Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 9:29 AM
A brilliant write Terry….you do serious and dark well also my FF…..Debx
Flood Avatar
November 20, 2024 at 11:27 AM
Thanks, Deb. Seems I might have misinterpreted the requirements, so I might be in line for an NA to add to my collection. C’est la vie ;-)
Wolf Avatar
November 18, 2024 at 9:05 PM
Rx: 'Halloween Hangover!' Extreme candy-eating recommended for 48 hours. That should do the trick, Slick!... Seriously, another masterpiece, Terry! Thanks, gw
Flood Avatar
November 19, 2024 at 2:52 PM
I’ll settle for ‘masterpiece’ GW. Thanks. I’m off to the candy store ;-)
Goldsmith Avatar
November 17, 2024 at 10:53 AM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful "I Breathe" write. "Good Luck"  Have a blessed day writing away.................
Flood Avatar
November 19, 2024 at 2:44 PM
Thanks, Paula. Not sure Inky was looking for spooky, but I don’t do hearts and flowers ;-)
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