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The Grim Reaper Cometh

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Author's Notes: This will be my last dark write here for the 2014 Halloween celebration. Halloween on 31 October is fast approaching us now!! May this rather dark grim gem chill the readers' bones and once again fan the flames of fear most exquisitely!! This particular poem is in the traditional Shakespearean Sonnet format, but I chose this time to not set it in Iambic Pentameter, and rather to let the lines flow in a direct Rhyme sequence (aabb|ccdd|eeff|gg) and to allow each line its varying meter arrangement. I also allowed for one extra verse beyond the four stanzas in this sonnet, as a special closing line for the dying old man in this poem to thank the Almighty Lord God with Amen! Amen! Amen! (Gary Bateman - October 25, 2014) (Shakespearean Sonnet in a Rhyme poetic format)

Categories: allegory, dark, evil, fantasy, halloween, horror, and magic.

As All Hallows’ Eve approacheth my thoughts turneth to darkest dread, Whilst in old age I harboureth a deep fear of seeing this one’s grim head; Methinks the Grim Reaper cometh this time with his scythe in hand, Which striketh maximum fear in me and maketh him feel quite so grand. Death and darkness doth pervade this spirit’s intent from that great beyond, And bringeth one a chilling fear if one’s destiny be unending Hellspawn; All Hallows’ Eve is the image I conjureth of my imminent departure, But I hopeth for divine intervention and protection during this departure. For I shan’t want to feel the fear and malediction of the Grim Reaper’s gaze, As he eerily walketh in the deep mist to bringeth my soul into that darkest haze; I prayeth then Oh Lord God, haveth an Angel escort me on my final trip beyond, And spareth me the Grim Reaper’s terrifying visit and his image of Hellspawn. I asketh thy divine power and all goodness in protecting my eternal spirit and soul, And delivereth them to Heaven on All Hallows' Eve most sound and quite whole! Amen! Amen! Amen! Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved - October 25, 2014 (Shakespearean Sonnet)

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Indiana Shaw

Date: 8/4/2017 6:52:00 AM

If I ever saw this poem/prayer up as the beginning interlude to a "Hallowween Horror" film before the cameras rolled onto the picture of this old man head peering out of his bedsheets - It has got me - A pray within the poem It has the old style of writing at a time when all feared the "The Grim Reaper" and your talent to have put all of this together - Brilliant - A no less "Maestro" of an educated soul who has took all of his learning to teach us no less - how "Blessed" are we - Indiana x

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/4/2017 7:29:00 AM

Hello Indiana My Good Friend, And thanks very much for your gracious and kind words here. I guess one of the keys to what I do as a poet and writer comes from my affectation for "literary traditionalism," which means reading and know the classical underpinnings of literature -- and not just English literature. I have a number of other dark, horror, supernatural type writes peppered throughout my listing of poems in Poetry Soup. "Blood Red Moon"; "The Old Dark House"; "The Demon's Shrill Cry of Dread and Horror" among others are some co-writes I worked on with Anne-Lise Andresen and Liam McDaid. And there are others in list of poems (solo writes): "Frozen Ghost" and "The Bewitching Call of the Siren." Enjoy, all I plan to get to your poem here over the weekend. I look forward to reading them. Best!! Gary

Indiana Shaw
Date: 8/4/2017 6:53:00 AM

Now on to "Moment's in "God's" Cosmic Time" - ; )

Debbie Duncan

Date: 11/17/2014 10:47:00 PM

Nicely done. I have one called Grim Reaper

Gary Bateman
Date: 11/18/2014 4:08:00 PM

Hello Debbie, Thanks for dropping by and for your read and comment here. I will most certainly check out your "Grim Reaper" poem. It's nice to meet you too!! Best Always, Gary

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 10/30/2014 5:26:00 PM

You come right out of the Elizabethan era with such an authentic writing! Not only POD deserves this majestic poem but greater recognition than that! My seven of course is the least of such honors you deserve, mein freund Gary!

Gary Bateman
Date: 11/1/2014 5:58:00 PM

Demetrios, Mein Guter Freund!! Ich bedanke mich sehr fuer Ihren Kommentar hier!! It's funny you mention the Elizabethan era. That was always one of my favorites when I was studying literature at the university. It was the same with my historical studies . . . I was always more home in the past than in the contemporary. Thanks for your very kind words!! Best Always, Gary

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 10/30/2014 5:04:00 PM

Excellent piece. I like how his fear makes Mr. Grimmy feel proud and grand. A lovely piece with death looming on every line. In even the darkest of times, there remains in the end, hope. Always, Laura

Gary Bateman
Date: 11/1/2014 5:54:00 PM

Hello Laura!! Glad you liked this one. It's nice to have Hope built in at the end after giving much of the floor so to speak to Mr. Grimmy. I hope all is well with you, and I must get by to check out latest works!! Cheers and Best Wishes Always, Gary

Paul Callus

Date: 10/29/2014 1:37:00 PM

A Shakespearean Sonnet and old English go very well together, Gary. Great content...powerfully expressed. May you receive a host of angels to escort you all the way! Amen! // paul (congrats on POD)

Gary Bateman
Date: 11/1/2014 5:51:00 PM

Paul -- Many Thanks. Glad you liked this one. Yes, I would prefer (as I think all of us would prefer) the Angel escort to Heaven rather than the horrible face to face with the Old Grim Reaper!! Cheers, Gary

Olivia Struthers

Date: 10/29/2014 9:43:00 AM

I love how you used not so proper words but the whole poem still had a very grown up and professional feel to it. I love how you were able to add both of those aspects in it!!

Gary Bateman
Date: 11/1/2014 5:48:00 PM

Thanks Olivia, glad you liked it. I went with the Old English to capture the mood of the writers from that 16th century era. My mindset was oriented toward that time when I was conceiving this theme. I will stop by a check out your works as well. Best Wishes, Gary

M. L. Kiser

Date: 10/28/2014 1:47:00 PM

Shakespeare would have begun his Halloween, reading your sonnets, Gary. It's a keeper!

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/28/2014 3:52:00 PM

ML, Thank you so much for your very nice comment here. I just had to do my final Halloween write for this year as Shakespearean Sonnet. I'm thrilled that you liked -- Old English and all. BOO!! Happy Halloween!! Gary (P.S. I enjoy your sonnets very much too!!)

Darlene Gifford

Date: 10/28/2014 10:44:00 AM

Hi, Gary, Yes please add my congrats to your poem of the day. Appropriate for this time of the year. I also see that you are on the lifetime members list. Up there beside all the other frequently mentioned and wonderful poet writers. So you are in good company. I am experiencing some glitches on line. When I press on something, I usually am not directed there, except I am sent to the poem search engine page every time. contacted them yesterday, but have not heard back yet. Blessisngs, Darlene

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/28/2014 3:58:00 PM

Hello Darlene, Thanks so much for dropping by and give this one (in Old English) a read. Honestly, I was surprised of my selection for POD. It's pretty dark and sometimes one doesn't know how others might react, but it's all fun in the end. I've got a couple of more writes to release soon!! (Getting caught up too!!) BOO!! Happy Halloween!! Gary

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty

Date: 10/28/2014 8:05:00 AM

Specter of death looming large over the dying old fellow--he prays to Lord for a Psychopomp to carry his soul to afterlife.."The Grim Reaper Cometh" is a description of an eternal will to defy the Hellspawn, well written. I enjoyed it to the fullest.Love Gary xxxxx rajat

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/28/2014 4:02:00 PM

Hello Rajat My Good Friend . . . I haven't forgotten you either. I must come by and see you latest works!! I'm glad you liked my sonnet built around the dying old man's plea to the Lord God for angelic intervention. A nice tale indeed for Halloween coming soon. All the Best Rajat!! BOO!! Happy Halloween!! Gary

Verlena S. Walker

Date: 10/27/2014 9:09:00 PM

Congratulations Robert for being featured as the poem of the day... Enjoyed... Verlena

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/28/2014 4:04:00 PM

Hello Verlena, Thanks so much for dropping by and I'm glad you enjoyed this Halloween write. Best Wishes Always, Gary (P.S. Happy Halloween!!)

Robert Lindley

Date: 10/27/2014 5:27:00 PM

Very well deserved . A fine write for this Halloween. Get yourself a lucky rabbit's foot and two crosses my friend... Solid 7 I give this one.....

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 5:40:00 PM

Robert, Thanks so much for your wonderful comments. Rabbit's Foot and two crosses I have, but the true defense against that Dark World and forces of evil is that unbreakable faith in the Almighty Lord God and His Angelic Forces of Light and Goodness. Van Helsing would expect no less!! Cheers and Spill Ink!! Gary

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 10/27/2014 1:25:00 PM

congratulations garry well deserved dear friend

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:35:00 PM

Thanks Liam my friend!! Irish Eyes are smiling my friend. Glad you enjoyed this one. Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/27/2014 8:51:00 AM

Congratulations on your poem of the day. Perfect offering for this time of the year.

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:05:00 PM

Richard, Thanks so much!! This actually was a big surprise for me here on having my Halloween poem selected for POD. By the way, I will be working on a theme here soon that I will write as a "Pantoum" or a "Villanelle" structured work. Your POD from the other day has inspired my efforts in this regard!! Best Wishes, Gary

Tim Smith

Date: 10/27/2014 7:20:00 AM

This is great Gary....I love this time of year...a 7 and a fav from me.....Tim

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:08:00 PM

Tim, Thanks so much for the "7" and the "FAV" here on "The Grim Reaper Cometh." I am so you enjoyed this piece especially with Halloween coming very soon!! Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/27/2014 5:00:00 AM

- This was deserved - - - Congrats with today's poem, Gary !!! - oxox // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:24:00 PM

Anne-Lise, Thanks so much for your nice comment here!! As I mentioned to Richard Lamoureux, I was actually surprised with the POD selection for this Halloween piece; nonetheless, I am indeed quite happy that my poem did make "POD." Happy Halloween and Best Wishes, Gary

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 10/27/2014 4:20:00 AM

Congratulations on having this fine piece chosen as poem of the day.

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:33:00 PM

Maurice, Thanks so much!!I guess this dark write hit the target!! (My next release will be a romance poem I've been working on -- HA HA HA.) Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 10/27/2014 4:19:00 AM

Wow, amazing write Gary!

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:36:00 PM

Thanks again Maurice!! Happy Halloween!! Gary

Jan Allison

Date: 10/27/2014 3:18:00 AM

spoooky deep dark write Gary many congrats on poem of the day:-) hugs Jan xxx

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/27/2014 1:15:00 PM

Jan, Thanks so much!! I hope I didn't scare you too much with this write. (HA HA HA). I guess I can't entirely get away from the dark writes, although I do have another romance poem that I will be posting soon. (I can thank Liam McDaid for his influence in this direction!!) Best Wishes Always, Gary

Jerry Swana

Date: 10/27/2014 1:55:00 AM

http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poem_detail.aspx?ID=610968

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 10/26/2014 11:37:00 AM

oh yes gary truly excellent pen he who casts the shadow of darkness over a soul love this piece pal

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/26/2014 5:09:00 PM

Liam . . . A write here nice and gloomy for Halloween coming soon. Thanks for reading it!! Cheers and Spill Ink!! Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/25/2014 12:12:00 PM

- A truly chilling Halloween poem, Gary - In Norway we do not celebrate Halloween so much - it's the kids who dress into witches and goblins - and go from door to door for candies - We do not decorate houses, adults are indoors ... .. but exciting for the kids - I hope your weekend will be lovely and relaxed :) - // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 10/26/2014 9:40:00 AM

Hello Anne-Lise . . . I hope I didn't scare you too much with this rather "grim tale." (Ha Ha) I like to use the archaic British English for writes like this one. Thanks for mentioning how Halloween is practiced in Norway. Halloween was (still is) a big event when I was growing up in America. Kids are involved with it too here in Germany where I live. Best Wishes too for the weekend! Gary