Notes About The Poem
September- 23.2023
Mocking the Dead Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Silent One
~Placed First~

 

Mocking the Dead

Here I stand before hundreds of moss grown graves There is a mournful silence that extends Through the weed grown path, no traveller walks The place, some morbid warning portends Hush.... hush is this place, here no bird sings The wind here sighs in silent pain There is a muffled horror all around the place Even the leaves chant a sad refrain Here, Death sits on his imperial throne Mocking at the relics of human glory Zealous with the task of deleting the old To script a new chapter, a new story In these ancient graves sleep the silent dead Their toil and trouble ended with life They must have been perhaps heroes of the land No more are they part of world’s victory or strife Nor its sad commemorations or triumphant jubilees Though released from the shackles of oppression Each dear presence has now become an absence Here they lie anonymous, without a single possession Did they perish in a battle or struck by some pestilence However, their names are blotted out from life’s tome They are knocked down and mocked by time And they lie here uncared, expelled from their home. Generations pass and their progeny comes Unmindful of who lived before them Neither thankful of the legacy left behind Nor thinking that all comforts, from their toil stem Vacancy alone greets my pensive eyes Each life here is a volume shut down, To be cast aside and eventually forgotten, Or erased forever with no name or renown With a heavy heart I stand beside these wrecks Thinking I too shall lie here, devoid of all opulence Leaving all my hard-earned possessions behind With no trace, mocked by time and forgotten by the populace
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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One Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 11:41 AM
An amazing arrangement of words Valsa.. you took to the theme like duck to water.. Thank you for writing for my poem and congratulations on your placement..
George Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 8:22 PM
Thanks a lot dear Silent one for the great placement and beautiful cimment. I feel so happy.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 5:23 AM
If we have left a good legacy my hope is that it still lives within our progeny. Love the brooding thoughts of the cemetery. Hugs ~ Kim
Buhagiar Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 1:24 AM
I admit I find no muse to help me write about the dead. Yet what wonderful way is your muse! So well argued, and described. We all die. Some are heroes, others are not worth thinking of. It is to these that you refer I'm sure. Best for a win. Blessings.
Mcintosh Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 12:50 PM
just remarkable story telling and revelation... such a blazing design and quest for the unearthly sound of silence, abiding in the fact that - yes, death is going to come despite every denial or reluctance. It is furiously riding across our lives for that final moment when we reach our destination - heaven or hell... where nothing else will ever seek us with such determination. This is a wonderful writing with so much to consider and ponder... a aching thought and a open heart, God bless you with a win, Much love, Gina
Sharma  Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 8:52 AM
Dear Valsa, what a profound and heart-aching piece this is.. Truly a marvelous take for the contest, creating a perfectly dark ambience flowing with vulnerable emotions. The wordsmithery reflects a breathtaking phraseology of gloomy feelings.. Especially articulated with such a deep and evocative wordplay! "Even the leaves chant a sad refrain" That second stanza is so brilliant! And "Each life here is a volume shut down" Those ending lines.. Ah, amazingly written dear poetess! Best of luck!
Poet Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 7:33 AM
This creation truly captivates my senses, leaving me spellbound. The poem is a masterpiece, delicately woven with profound emotions. Every aspect of your creation is a work of art. The words you have chosen carry a profound depth and wisdom, dear Valsa. It is a creation that steals my breath away, resonating with the very essence of my soul. It is in the profound silence of these sacred grounds that thoughts come alive, mirroring the sentiments expressed in your exquisite poem.
Empress Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 7:13 AM
“Even the leaves chant a sad refrain” “ mocked by time and forgotten by the populace” whoa! What a soul hitting take on this prompt. Your word weaving fits the theme of the prompt, dark and so deep! I read this twice! I got lost and dived deep and found so much to grasp and comprehend from every line! Such profound truth! So well articulated with such creative imagery and thoughts to ponder upon. You have a deep mind! I can see and very artistic too. Silent one wil love this im sure. Goodluck!
Kaufman Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 5:58 AM
HI Valsa, This is the winner for certain, so well composed Ms. pensive poet. Many moons ago when I was studying theatre in NYC, we were required to choose characters from Spoon River Anthology. It eulogizes the lives of a small towns deceased population. Thanks for your visit and God bless. Nancy
Jones Avatar
September 23, 2023 at 2:25 AM
Ah poetess your words are deep and dark. Full of fresh contrasting ideas exploring views of and duties of death. I however do beg to differ that you will be forgotten. Poet's words live forever in hearts thereby cheating death of a little life in thoughts and in remembrance. Well done.
Seeker Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 10:27 PM
“Each life here is a volume shut down” ~ the truth. Beautifully penned, Valsa. A clear winner!
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