The Rocking Chair

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This is another Halloween Poem I wrote probably ten years ago, with some modifications over the years. This poem takes a page out of people like Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Dean Koontz, and Bram Stoker. It is a free-verse narrative and somewhat of an "All Hallows Eve" poetic and haunting short story. 

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...she was ensnared within her prized gardens There among a tempest of roses. Entangled in the mournful whispers of… Weeping willows From noon till night. Within her bustling haven, the envy of neighbors. A source of joy and delight. But her constant aching heart desired so much more. Her poor lonely husband Once he was robust and brimming and strong with vitality... Now his soul has withered in the desolation of his ongoing prison of solitude. Like a leafless tree... stripped bare by winter's icy grip… His heart was shattered. For upon the porch's creaking rocker / ...his soul dwindling... ...its motion faltering... Stops... She suddenly grasped the vastness... of her loss? Such an ache colossal. Crying out to God!! her tears flowing like a raging roaring river: "Restore my free!!!" A glimmering thought emerged in her a forbidden whisper: "Conjure a deal, the deal, with nature... and it will be granted." An Epiphany as a glimmering thought emerged: His thumb... a sharp knife... a cursed gift... a grower’s unholy art... A malevolent pact with nature / rending her life asunder. Then new life stirred within the shadow's cryptic realm // From fresh tilled dirt and top soil ground // A sinister transformation... ...a harbinger, sprout of chilling qualms. On All Hallows Eve / stirred by the relentless creaking... of... the... chair..... She rushed and she stumbled for she was caught in despair's whirlwind. Her heart pulsated rhythmically in tune. The moon... a spectral lantern / Drenching the desolate landscape / in silver light... Casting ominous and writhing shadows... that echoed with... The dread of Walpurgisnacht. A nightmare, a beautiful grotesque masterpiece: His form, hideous contorted, agrarian exhorted, A thumb oozing... with / red and green blood... Nature itself warping and ravenous. "My Groom," as she spoke to this agrarian figure. Now Love is ensnared in a sinister compact... never to relinquish its grip. Her Fervent devotion / embodied in the... Mandrake Sprout's insidious clasp. Slowly rocking, miraculously... ...a dichotomy, back and forth as the moon departed... Entwined for eternity... Bound in a loving unholy pact.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023



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Date: 4/10/2024 12:21:00 PM
Hello Daniel! Dropping in to read a bit. Thank you for sharing your gift. I'm a fan of horror writing but I'm uneducated. Not stupid, but ignorant. I'm attempting to educate myself so please bear with me. From an uneducated view, I love how your words painted a picture in my mind and sent goose bumps up my arms! The beauty of language is apparent here. Best, Crystol
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 4/11/2024 7:43:00 AM
As a side note you may be interested in my newer Poe-ish poem Gnarled Shadows. :) - Daniel
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 4/11/2024 7:40:00 AM
Dearest Crystol, Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. It means a lot to me that you took the time to read my work, especially considering your interest in horror writing. Your willingness to learn and appreciate different forms of literature is truly admirable. I'm honored that my words were able to evoke such a visceral response from you and created images in your mind. Remember, my dear friend that ignorance is simply a lack of exposure, and your curiosity and openness to learning are incredibly valuable. I'm here to be one of your support fans on your poetic journey of exploration. Keep embracing the beauty of language, and may it continue to send shivers down your spine. Blessings, my new dear friend, Daniel
Date: 2/22/2024 2:32:00 PM
A scary story told in poetic form. Thanks for sharing it with us. Sara K
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 3:26:00 PM
Good Evening, Sara, I am so glad that you went back and read this poem. This particular poem was written years ago and was one I really enjoyed writing. I have a new poem that I am releasing tomorrow which is also more on the realm of Poe type horror and I hope you get a chance to read. Sara, itis always a pleasure to hear your wonderful comments. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 10/30/2023 12:34:00 PM
Your use of various forms of figures of speech is fascinating Daniel. I love the nod to St. Walspurga's eve and Harry Potter. I'm enjoying your poetry very much. :)
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 10/31/2023 8:51:00 AM
Thanks Linda for your wonderful comment, We all get our inspiration from our past and it is enjoyable to actually put it into a story. I am am happy you enjoyed! - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 10/18/2023 6:42:00 PM
I like this very much. Good writing.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 10/31/2023 8:53:00 AM
Hello Michael, Thank you for reading literally my first horror story I wrote years ago with a few modifications here or there. Thanks again!! - Blessings, Daniel
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