Screwtape

Long forbidding fingers dig deep in, Appearing black contrast on pale skin, The puppeteer directs your gaze, A brief view but the vision stays, Ruinous renderings plague the brain, His dark imprint now shall remain.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Alesia Leach

Date: 3/8/2025 6:00:00 PM

The rhythm is tight and measured, which gives the poem a creeping, inevitable feel--perfectly fitting for a figure like Screwtape (presumably referencing C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters). The "puppeteer" metaphor is especially strong, capturing the theme of manipulation and unseen influence.

Garrett Bass
Date: 3/10/2025 4:44:00 AM

Thank you so much! Once again you catch the reference with amazing analysis skills! The "puppeteer" usage felt necessary after reading the Screwtape Letters.