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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

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/17/2021 8:09:00 AM

This is fast paced and fun to read!

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 !

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

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!

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.....

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

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!

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!

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