marley’s maxim
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the frozen soil crumbled
falling into my eyes and horrified mouth
as I gripped the sodden roots on
the rim of the pit
my strength waning, (and my will) …
at the bottom of the hole, a wooden casket
yawned like the jaws of Death itself
lid open and shaking like a splintered tongue
the glow of Hell's embers below it ...
flames licking its sides and
reaching up to the soles of my feet
but not with heat
rather, an intolerable coldness that made
my marrow ache for an end …
as my grasp weakened
and the roots of the twisted old tree
slipped thru my hands
I looked up at the stars -
winking like candles
and said a prayer for my soul
the ragged clang of Marley’s chains
still torturing my ears
and the crooked, bony finger of the Reaper
wagging with reproach
his coal black eyes sparkling and lifeless
as the sky drew away
and I fell ...
to my wretched doom.
Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2023
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