Keith Logan Poet Narrative

That Summer

Steam rose upon the sticky day that summer,
as surreal strangeness to the mist set in.
We stepped to beats played by a mystic drummer,
and waited for enchantment to begin.

Reflecting back, I wonder why we stopped,
to loiter there upon that hallowed ground.
How ill prepared we were for what then dropped,
the fearful secret soon to be unbound.

Four college kids whose light was set to dim,
by foolishly embarking on a dream;
a manuscript unearthed by fortune’s whim,
tormented us into a reckless scheme.

We sought to find a fortune down below,
observing the instructions in the scroll;
no thought for how the consequences grow,
or that the devil always takes his toll.

That empty tomb where once the ghoul would lie,
dark errant knight of twisted gallantry;
in death disturbed by dreams of days gone by,
still punished here for all eternity.

I never fully grasped what happened next,
how we escaped with liberty and health,
but ever since obeyed that ancient text,
and never more went seeking others’ wealth.

We do not dare, discuss the dreadful day,
that left us reeling and, just barely sane.
We live forever to repent and pray,
and hope someday to dull the hollow pain.

Though many summers passed, I can’t forget;
I’m older now and hope I am now wise.
I sometimes read that scroll and shudder yet,
believing life itself is our great prize.

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Darlene De Beaulieu July 25, 2019 at 2:21 PM Hello Keith Logan, an adventure for sure. You were lucky to escape the thumb. Have a nice day my friend.

Richard Lamoureux November 8, 2016 at 7:57 PM Hi Keith if you click reply and respond the person will receive your response. I enjoyed this piece, it is quite well expressed. Keith Logan November 8, 2016 at 10:09 PM That usually works but I have occasionally had software hiccups.

Keith Logan October 31, 2016 at 8:33 AM I'm glad it worked for you. I was not sure about avoiding all details but hoped it would allow for the reader's imagination.

Tim Smith October 29, 2016 at 12:07 PM A real good poem, great flow and depth. Keith Logan January 19, 2017 at 11:58 AM Hi Tim, I'm glad you liked this. I shared it because someone wrote that they use rhyme only on light verse and reserve free form for the more serious subjects.