Notes About The Poem

Shadows of the Valley contest

Not His Son

He lived on this earth for a time and a half
Playing a tune to the old man’s laugh
—Shadows of the Valley; Janick Gers, Stephen Percy Harris

Not His Son

The flute floated in the empty space
He’d gladly have followed the piper
Red lights of dischord in sentiment face
In corner mocks the chatterbox viper

To be spoon fed kindness for a time
The old man thought that but a waste
He paid me instead time and a half…I’m
on a bender, long cast, no longer chaste

The IT of a clown from the grave rises
He whips me with his uttermost laugh
A fearful rainstorm he always despises
Surviving my loathsome birth like chaff

The lip-tremble of melody craved abduction
An abominable shadow from dirt’s abyss
For this host could be only a demon’s seduction
The only arms that held me tight he’d dismiss

The door like a drum opened up righteousness
The climax of throwdown with cuffs and chains
In my enemies presence I dine with timelessness
I claim a different Father - in heaven he reigns
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Volumes Avatar
May 16, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Only righteousness could overcome a demon's seduction. Wow Kim you took inspiration from Iron Maiden's song and made it better! Best of luck for the contest. This is a great contender.
Rodrigues Avatar
May 16, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Thank you SV! I appreciate your comment!
Hind Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
"Red lights of dischord in sentiment face" wow, Kim, I loved that - and the whole ending stanza is just freedom itself, could feel the ache of chains, lifted up into the light of your heavenly Father <3
Rodrigues Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Thank you, Paige!
Crandall Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Cool, a floating flute, and a mocking chatterbox viper!
Rodrigues Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Thank you, David! Glad you liked those parts.
Rodgers Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Dear Kim, how haunting and powerful and how each stanza wrestles with shadows, legacy, and the ache for belonging. I felt the pain of being measured by someone else’s standards, the longing for kindness, and the hard-won claim of a different Father. You’ve turned struggle into something brave and honest. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Rodrigues Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Thank you so much! Will check out your poetry later. Have to go to aqua therapy and losing track of time with writing…lol
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