Raven's Revenge

She's often seen on dark and stormy nights according to local lore,
Gliding among the ancient stones standing in that fearsome moor.
Mists wafting about the burial ground add to this spectral scene,
And circling above, a sinister murder of ravens is usually seen!

'Tis said that this hapless wraith seems to be on an endless quest,
Searching, ever searching as if for her own eternal rest.
Or does Raven seek a specific grave upon which to wreak revenge,
Whose occupant for some wrong she is determined to avenge?

She kneels at each stone and peers at the name etched thereon,
Is heard softly sobbing, then slowly rising, she moves on.
As she makes her ghostly bourne, heard is her plaintive moan,
As with vengeful eyes she examines each lichen-covered stone.

Is it a lover she searches for who left her bereft and forlorn,
Who broke her heart and filled her soul with eternal scorn?
Or could it be with malice in her heart she seeks reprise,
For the brutal murder that caused her untimely demise.

The thunder roars and lightning flashes as she glides to and fro.
The troubles that distress this restless soul we shall never know.
This fabled phantom presses on wearily, wearily lurching,
Determined to complete her quest, searching, ever searching!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Placed No. 6 in Constance's "Among The Dead" Contest - February 2011
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Brown Avatar
February 24, 2011 at 11:49 AM
I had only read a couple of the poems and wanted so badly to enter but...too many things were going on and didn't get to. I knew Constance would have a time selecting her winners. There is a long list of winners here. You should be so proud of your winning poem congratulations Bob. Love, Carol
Fraser Avatar
February 19, 2011 at 7:11 AM
Many congratulations Robert on your fine win in Constance's wonderful contest....:)
Poet Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 6:47 PM
Wonderful story here!Congrats Robert on your win!
Devonshire Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 6:21 AM
I love the air of mystery that leaves the reader wondering why "this fabled phantom" visits the graveyard each night. Don't know how I missed this one earlier, Bob, but am so glad to see it in the winners' circle. Great work, my friend! Love, Carolyn
Onclaud Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 5:35 AM
you go bob, the " bright fame..".. KUDOS to you for the win! :) huggs, nette
George   Avatar
February 18, 2011 at 12:23 AM
Sensational story, Robert. Many congrat's on your BIG WIN. Lainie
Pettit Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:25 PM
I predicted earlier this entry would win in Constance's contest. Bob, you did it again. Congratulations!
Johnson Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:24 PM
Wonderful retelling of the story. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Freeman Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:05 PM
Bob, great job and congratulations on your honored sixth place win. Agape, Moses
Dillard Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 6:03 PM
Congratulations Bob! Always glad to read your verse! RAY
Mehta Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 5:32 PM
Congratulations on the sixth place win in the contest of Constance, Bob
Haick Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 5:03 PM
Congratulations on your very fine win in the "Among the Dead" Contest, Bob! Well deserving. Always, Annalise
Sweetheart Avatar
February 17, 2011 at 4:47 PM
Congrats Bob on your wonderful winning poem in Among the Dead with this exceptional entry my friend.. enjoy another grand victory with luv..
Kendrick Avatar
January 29, 2011 at 4:31 AM
Great one Robert...You have the flow, rhythm, and rhyme down very well..Interesting story you have told that matches the picture so well...Good luck with this sure winner..Thanks for stopping by and commenting..Sara
Pettit Avatar
January 28, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Fine poem with great descriptiveness and rhyming. This has to be one of the better entries for the contest.
Taylor Avatar
January 28, 2011 at 7:30 AM
Excellent entry, Chief. Enjoyed. Best of luck. My shovel is sure getting a workout, as a matter of fact so am I. Got some more coming over the weekend. I am being careful and pacing myself. Can't wait till it's time to get my mower out. Best to you and Vera. Una/Ralph
Anderson Avatar
January 27, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Very nice poem...Good luck in the contest...Jimmy
George   Avatar
January 27, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Well! Robert, to be compared to Poe is a good thing - one of my very favorite poets of all time. A poem I wrote that is posted on this site has been compared to him as well 'Cannon Lee'. I suppose his spirit comes to visit all us poets from time-to-time. Lainie
George   Avatar
January 27, 2011 at 4:30 AM
Sensational! Robert. Lainie
Sweetheart Avatar
January 26, 2011 at 4:50 PM
An awesome write Bob ... great tale of Raven's revenge and search to find the one she is seeking ... wonderful rhyme as always my friend.. and good luck with this rare beauty entry ..luv..
La France Avatar
January 26, 2011 at 4:45 PM
Thank you for supporting my contest.
Johnson Avatar
January 26, 2011 at 4:33 PM
Great entry. Very eerie. Good luck in the contest. Joyce
Dietrich Avatar
January 26, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Robert, I really like how you made yours into a mysterious ghost story about the woman. In my story she is on the brink of becoming a ghost. haha. Very interesting to read, and I hope you do well in the contest. LUv, Andrea
Mehta Avatar
January 26, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Very very logical interpretation of the picture with suspense, Bob. Good luck.
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