Mediocrity Monstrosity

A glint in the black, like stars Pearly, polished, pointy peaks of a fiend Fangs of self-deprecation, puncturing every effort Coursing the flow of doubt, discouragement and defeat I may not see your face, beast, but your teeth betray you in darkness Dripping with the blood of my best effort and intention Inexperience and ignorance, clotting ... I am but a babe in the woods of poetic expression Searching like Hansel, for crumbs of excuse and artistic insight Oh, I see your vestiges, hear the gnawing of your dismal disregard And your umbra shades every scribble ... every keystroke But I know you well ... I know who placed you there Yet, with a sword forged in kind encouragement and friendships, rare I will stand on the battlements, and fight to the end And should you gain the last word, it shall be inscribed ... in my blood. ~ 8th Place ~ in the "Plucking the Poisonous Parrot" Poetry Contest, Maureen McGreavy, Judge & Sponsor.