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Star Gazer

He awoke from a fitful repose
   his legs twitching in death throes,
   each held by a pinion driven through his ankles.
He opened his eyes 
   from the sojourn of deep-sleep oblivion.
He peered through a shroud of blood and pain,
   which threatened successfully to besmirch 
   the splendor of the celestial array
   of stars in the firmament above.
His neck and arms were also pinned to the ground
   with wooden stakes.
As his blood seeped into the desert sands
   draining his life away,
   his lithe lissome limbs and body lamented
   his decision to walk alone
   through the bad-lands,
   to see the stars all bright and unencumbered
   by the lights of civilization.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
June 9, 2018 at 10:29 PM
I love it, John. Well done. Congrats on your top win.
Gentry Avatar
June 4, 2018 at 11:33 PM
Congratulations on your win with this poem story.
Roper Avatar
June 4, 2018 at 7:45 PM
Great use of the 8 words and, John, with great imagery ; congratulations on your win! Hugs Eve
Hamilton Avatar
June 4, 2018 at 11:11 AM
Very chilling write John, I almost forgot there were 8 words required, it was that seamless of a write, well done, congrats on a fine win!
Godwin Avatar
May 27, 2018 at 2:42 PM
Thought I'd drop by, I haven't been reading near enough for about a month - time won't let me. This is a profound poem that grabbed and held me; it is dark but not cheap dark, no - to me its darkness is appropriate to the tale and wonderful way you ended the poem. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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