Home » Poems » Ink Empress » Shadows of the Valley

Ink Empress | + Follow Poet |

Shadows of the Valley

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Ink Empress.

This poem focuses on Paranoid Schizophrenia , raising awareness ~ exploring the elements of that run wild in the paranoid corners of the fractured psyche. I was inspired by the song " shadows of the valley" by iron maiden sponsored by Robert James L, it captures the surreal and disoriented setting of a mind battling with distorted perceptions and paranoia.

As crystal glacier, suspended in the onyx air, bleeds darkness kissed with saline sadness, clouds tiptoe through trapped phantom winds, dripping sinister creatures rising from the egoistic eyes ~ cracked illusions reflecting the underbelly of fragrant fountains ~ an inverted resemblance of grotesque monsters lurking in seething spaces, heinous jaws of the ill-omened ocean, where mermaid madness is born from the womb of sun-deprived urchins, jaded and jinxed ~ caging the paranoid demons in a kaleidoscopic kingdom of paper delirium, spiraling with malicious laughter ~ an echo of lucid lies and watercolor sin… Maybe if I kneel on the golden altar of nocturnal petals, lifting my hands, silencing oblivious mantras of mania and unheard cries~ place a prayer, adrift in a cursed conch shell, quivering and sighing sagas to the feathered horizon, rippling with hope across the vast blue of brokenness, seeking solace in the footfalls of northern lights~ then might the stars compose a tune, no longer fixated upon chasing infernal wild roses stirring within vermilion verses of a psyche haunted by splitting realities~ O twilight wanderers... Walk with me through the shadows of the valley where xanthic leaflets gather light to the summons of ravens, yearning to brush the skyline; where the heart knows no fear of evil, and Zen, etched in calligraphy, spans the sands of death and hereafter…

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

Duke Beaufort

Date: 5/27/2025 1:58:00 PM

IE, you point out poetically how people will this illness suffer terribly. We may have a little of this in all of us, but we are the lucky ones who are not overwhelmed by this type of brain chemistry. The chaos you describe is difficult to bear...almost painful to read. Well done. Take care.

Jcb Brul

Date: 5/27/2025 7:02:00 AM

What a masterpiece! "Watercolor sin!" What a metaphor!! Congratulations on your well-deserved trophy win dear Ink.. This is absolutely a FAVE!! Keep shining dear!^___^JCB

Robert James Liguori

Date: 5/27/2025 1:09:00 AM

Beautiful abecedarian!!! Your words touch my soul. Thanks for entering the contest and congrats on the trophy win!

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:46:00 AM

Thank you so very much dear robert, i appreciate the win in your contest. I loved the song and lyrics. Sending you light

Paige Hind

Date: 5/26/2025 9:04:00 PM

Powerful poem. You images speak truly. "yearning to brush the skyline; where the heart knows no fear of evil"

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:55:00 AM

Thank you so much dear paige appreciate you always supporting me

Valsa George

Date: 5/25/2025 3:13:00 AM

My heart goes out when I think of the mentally deranged people. What turmoil they pass through every day. You have dealt with this topic many a time.... I remember. Dear sweet friend, you are so empathetic and you try to give a picture of the complexities they face and foster a kind of compassion for those suffering from disjointed thoughts and emotions. Each time you do it differently.This time it is Abecedarian. That itself is a difficult form and you are dealing with a subject most sensitive to handle. Yet you make it so easy. Your gift, I believe is God given. Amid all darkness still there is hope. "place a prayer, adrift in a cursed conch shell, quivering and sighing sagas to the feathered horizon, rippling with hope across the vast blue of brokenness," Amazing talent and a FAVE. I couldn't read your latest poems as I have been too busy these days. Again we are going on a short trip to Bangkok and Pattaya and I will have to take a short break.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:56:00 AM

I hope bangkok and pattaya trip goes well. I am thinking of goin too next month: appreciate your kindness sweet valsa always! Sending you light

Joe Dimino

Date: 5/24/2025 10:33:00 PM

"As crystal glacier, suspended in the onyx air, bleeds darkness kissed with saline sadness," -- perfect mood setting tension beginning -- "heinous jaws of the ill-omened ocean, where mermaid madness is born from the womb of sun-deprived urchins," -- Fabulous imagery! "yearning to brush the skyline; where the heart knows no fear of evil, and Zen, etched in calligraphy, spans the sands of death and hereafter…" -- Outrageously hauntingly good! I relish my poetic insanity!!

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:56:00 AM

Thank you so very much for being always so kind and generous dear Joe, appreciate your kindness truly. Sending you light

Justin Bordner

Date: 5/24/2025 4:46:00 PM

When reality can not be trusted you must trust your courage to make reality serve the truth of your intuitive beauty..."Upon chasing infernal wild roses stirring within...the golden alter of nocturnal petals." Beautiful work Poetess...J.A.B.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:57:00 AM

Thank you very much, Justin

I Am Anaya

Date: 5/24/2025 10:24:00 AM

A sad infliction indeed, exploring the elements of that run wild in the paranoid corners of the fractured psyche, if I recall correctly you are a therapist in the field? The image of the moon goddess resembles it! "grotesque monsters lurking in seething spaces,heinous jaws of the ill-omened ocean, where mermaid madness is born from the womb of sun-deprived urchins, jaded and jinxed caging the paranoid demons in a kaleidoscopic kingdom of paper delirium, spiraling with malicious" I can hear iron maiden singing it! Bol IE

I Am Anaya
Date: 5/27/2025 4:14:00 AM

Yay, trophy win! Congratulations

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:58:00 AM

Thank you, appreciate your comment.

Sotto Poet

Date: 5/24/2025 7:00:00 AM

Wow, what an exquisite poem about duality, existentialism, and finding consolation in the middle of turmoil dearest Ink. It contrasts darkness and light, craziness and clarity, and psychological conflicts against the background of nature's beauty. The picture suggests sorrow, yet there is an underlying desire for optimism and connection, notably via the themes of prayer and the natural environment. The poem indicates that even in the midst of despair, there is hope for serenity and understanding, particularly via communication with nature and the universe. I adore it. You employ the poem's flawless words in a rich, emotive, and imagery-laden way. Words like "crystal glacier," "saline melancholy," and "phantom winds" paint stunning visual and emotional scenes. The use of juxtaposition ("darkness kissed with saline grief") highlights the diversity of emotions, while alliteration ("kaleidoscopic kingdom," "whispering wild flowers") and assonance add to the poem's melody.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 1:59:00 AM

Thank you for the detailed comment, grateful

Tom Woody

Date: 5/24/2025 6:03:00 AM

Wow. And you did it in the abc thingy. I don't think there's any theme you can't do justice to when you set your mind to it (still waiting for you to write something hilarious though). I think I mentioned before I've had a number of experiences dealing with schizophrenics. Two were in an asylum and I tried to help them thru Bible study. A few others were former tenants. One lady was sweet, gentle and kind when on her meds. When off she'd yell at the sky and threaten to burn the place down

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 2:00:00 AM

Yes so many off meds. Thank you for your comment

Tom Woody
Date: 5/24/2025 10:54:00 AM

Ha! It's my Bruce Jenner look

I Am Anaya
Date: 5/24/2025 10:25:00 AM

@ Ozzy! nice pic

Tom Woody
Date: 5/24/2025 6:04:00 AM

scaring the other tenants. It's a terrible disease and you've described it well

Lin Lane

Date: 5/24/2025 4:25:00 AM

You write from your knowledge of these experiences, not of your own, but of others who walked, ran and maybe even tried to hide in the shadows of valleys from which they could find no way out, or maybe didn't think they were worthy of saving. That underbelly may have fountains, but I see them as molten lava, not fragrant ones. These are the ones searching for the light you always offer in your comments, Ink.

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 2:00:00 AM

Thank you dear linnersz , always appreciate your kind and generous support

Lioness Onpaper

Date: 5/24/2025 4:08:00 AM

clouds tiptoe through trapped phantom winds, dripping sinister creatures rising from the egoistic eyes .. ooo I love that line !! an inverted resemblance of grotesque monsters lurking in seething spaces,Mmmmmmm sounds hauntingly torturous… adrift in a cursed conch shell, quivering and sighing sagas to the feathered horizon, rippling with hope across the vast blue of brokenness, seeking solace in the footfalls of northern lights.. ooo the imagery!! Stunning! yearning to brush the skyline; where the heart knows no fear of evil,.. aaaaah that flowwwww!! This piece is absolute beauty!! U paint with such vivid colors of nature to bring a painful condition to light! Absolute perfection!!!

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 2:01:00 AM

Papi i think you are a whole different vibe. Thank you

The Aura Rhymes

Date: 5/24/2025 4:02:00 AM

I have an uncle who has paranoid schizophrenia. And I have to say you have described it at its best . As always. Great awareness .

Ink Empress
Date: 5/27/2025 2:02:00 AM

What a coincidence, so do i! Thank you dahlin