Gershon Wolf | + Follow Poet |
Couplet | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

The Fires Leap High

The chant, the drums
  the beat, the thrum
The fires leap high
  the beast must die

The screams, the shouts
  the painted war-whoops
Leaves crackle, thick smoke
  fetid air, throats choke

Metal spears all raised
  sharp cries pierce the haze
Too late the high priest
  beast's heart has ceased

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/17/2021 8:09:00 AM This is fast paced and fun to read! Login to Reply

Valsa George Date: 12/8/2021 7:30:00 PM Is it a scene from the Red Indian tribal colony? I can visualize the whole scene and hear the drum beats, Gershon ! Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 7:34:00 PM Actually, this scene still plays in my head from the first movie I ever saw, in 1956. It was 'Around the World in 80 Days,' starring David Niven. My mom took to see it in technicolor on an oversize screen -- two real big deals back in the day. I'll just never forget the scene where the Indian princess was rescued seconds before being burned to death. Those drums! :) gw

Debra L Brown Date: 12/8/2021 4:15:00 PM I can hear the drums as I read your poem. Nicely written. ~ Debra Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 7:33:00 PM Careful, Debra. Those drums are getting closer every day... as civilization encroaches on the few remaining jungles... lol. Merry X-mas! ~ Gershon

Kim Rodrigues Date: 12/8/2021 7:26:00 AM The beast lost heart…the hate, the incessant drumming, the insanity! Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 4:14:00 PM Coming soon to a theater near you! Thrum-thrum-thrum...

John Lawless Date: 12/8/2021 6:29:00 AM Oh, the metaphoric madness.....of the "self appointed" high priests..... Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 4:15:00 PM I like that John, 'metaphoric madness!' That's a four-pointer in my book. ~ gw

Sara Kendrick Date: 12/8/2021 2:49:00 AM Well, I could go several ways with an interpretation on this one. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 4:19:00 PM I'm glad to read that this verse is open to interpretation. Thanks for letting me know, Sara. :) gw

P.S. Awtry Date: 12/8/2021 12:17:00 AM wow, I was playing with a very similar idea. I won't have to bother now because you have done it so well! Strange though--I hope we aren't prophets! Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 4:20:00 PM You may be a prophet. Myself, hold the plaudits, just give me the profits...

L Milton Hankins Date: 12/7/2021 9:15:00 PM Very interesting, gw. It seems like I have witnessed this scene many times in movies, but never in real life, of course. Good writing! Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 12/8/2021 2:03:00 PM Thanks, Milt... I too feel that I have seen this in movies a lot, but the only one I can for sure recall is the very first movie I ever saw, 'Around the World in Eighty Days,' -- the scene where the Indian Princess was rescued from certain death. :) gw