Daniel Henry Rodgers Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

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. 

---------------

The Rocking Chair

...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. 

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich June 17, 2026 at 1:08 AM Whoa. Here is a good and creepy one I somehow missed back in 23! I actually love Stephen King and Dean Koontz as authors of my favorite genre. Yours had a lot of Poe in it. I feel like Poe may have been the only horror writer of his generation. Can't remember studying any other author line him in classic literature class!

Crystol Woods April 10, 2024 at 12:21 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 Daniel Henry Rodgers April 11, 2024 at 7:43 AM As a side note you may be interested in my newer Poe-ish poem Gnarled Shadows. :) - Daniel Daniel Henry Rodgers April 11, 2024 at 7:40 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

Sara Kendrick February 22, 2024 at 2:32 PM A scary story told in poetic form. Thanks for sharing it with us. Sara K Daniel Henry Rodgers February 22, 2024 at 3:26 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

Linda Alice Fowler October 30, 2023 at 12:34 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. :) Daniel Henry Rodgers October 31, 2023 at 8:51 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

Michael Maul October 18, 2023 at 6:42 PM I like this very much. Good writing. Daniel Henry Rodgers October 31, 2023 at 8:53 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