Mocking the Dead

Mocking the dead,

the vampire on the hill, high
above the cityscape. Why
does his cloak wrap around?
It moves with a hissing sound,
blackened on the outside,
blue on the molten graveside.
Sharpening incisors on the crag,

but

the villagers with their worn rags
tight fisted with their goodly lights -
those lanterns, infused with salt
of garlic, compelled forward in the dead
of night. Mockers and murderers, fed
by rage, want to dispel the wine and bread.

Hell,

the strangulation of fire, lava rolling
down the hill. Mocking, laughter -
the shivering of the old church rafters.
The reborn, new creation, settled
on roof-blowing praise. Nettled,
old Nick, the vampire king unsettled.

Mocking the dead,

making his own bed, jutting at jugulars,
darkening the atmosphere, drawing
congregants, unholy. But, someone holy
has his heels on the vampire’s head.
He’s been banished…dead heads’ rolling.
The glorious light of the lamb, consoling.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Warally Ngengethe Mussabwa Chris Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 4:32 PM
Congretutions on your win in the Contest.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 5:10 PM
Thank you!
One Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 11:30 AM
Have to be careful of the vampires and the toxic evil that is around us.. Thank you for writing for my poem and congratulations on your placement..
Rodrigues Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 12:44 PM
Thank you, Silent! Your title and a poster I saw at the museum converged. Enjoyed the contest!
Proxenos Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 10:42 AM
It is a constant fight between good and evil, but good will always prevail - The glorious light of the lamb, consoling'. this poem is Incredibly created. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 1:15 PM
Thank you so much, Jennifer! xx
Poet Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:40 PM
My dear friend, your poem is truly magnificent in its haunting darkness! You have spared no effort in crafting this exquisite piece of art.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 5:06 AM
Thank you so much, Lasaad!
Lindley Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 5:59 AM
My good friend, this is indeed a fantastically dark poem! You pulled out all the stops on creating this fine poem, a POTD contender for sure! A glowing dark jewel, and an exceptional fav too! God bless you.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:11 PM
Thank you so much, Robert! That means so much!
Empress Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 5:39 AM
I love the dark and haunting vampire themed imagery and flow of your storytelling. Fitting for the prompt and very creatively youve delivered one with so much depth. Brilliant diction. Loved reading this. Goodluck for the contest
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:12 PM
Thank you so much, I.E.! So glad you enjoyed this one!
Conn Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 12:48 AM
Best novel about vampires: A Delicate Dependency.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:35 AM
Hmm…will check it out. God bless!
Conn Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 12:56 AM
Wrong title. It's called The Delicate Dependency.
Sinha-Roy Avatar
September 21, 2023 at 11:08 PM
The murderers will mock their own death, someday. Nicely penned, Kim.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:36 AM
Thank you, Subimal!
George Avatar
September 21, 2023 at 9:03 PM
Great poem and great diction ! The tug of war between devilish forces and angelic allies is quite intriguing ! All the Best dear Kim.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 4:36 AM
Thank you, Valsa!
Wolf Avatar
September 21, 2023 at 7:12 PM
Intriguing 'good vs. evil' confrontation, Kim. The ending both surprising and pleasing. Thanks, gw
Rodrigues Avatar
September 21, 2023 at 8:12 PM
Thank you, my friend!
Brotherton Avatar
September 21, 2023 at 6:13 PM
So, you bite one neck and suck a little blood and all of a sudden, you're a bad guy. Farmers with their pitchforks and lanterns chasing you around all night. Geesh. Loved this one Kim. Have a good day my friend.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 21, 2023 at 6:37 PM
Thank you, Jerry! Inspired by something I saw at the art museum today.
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