The Storm Water Pipe


The storm water pipe
gaped into open air
from an embankment 
where it surfaced
from underground.
The opening was a little
smaller than my childhood height
and they said it stretched
a mile or more but nobody
knew for sure.

A danger sign warned
against entry saying 
the pipe was subject to sudden
flooding - a protective grate
had a hole big enough
to crawl through. 
I would pause 
at its mouth and stare 
into a claustrophobic dark.

Hunched, heart racing,
I monkey walked
my way in, listening out
for water, breathing in 
the dank air. Deeper
and deeper I would go until 
courage left me when
the light from the entrance
faded and all went black.
Hell was there. 
It still is.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Rodgers Avatar
July 10, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Hello Paul, so perfectly shown that childhood urge to test boundaries, to peer into the unknown, even when every instinct is screaming to turn back. I love how you build the tension and the warning sign, the grate with just enough space to slip through, the air growing dank and heavy, the light fading behind you. It’s a journey not just into the pipe but into the heart of fear itself. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel
Willason Avatar
July 12, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Thankyou Daniel, thoughtful and marvellously forensic comments as usual...always enjoy hearing from you. A few layers in this poem. Very much appreciate that you gave it some time. Take care my friend, Paul
Rodrigues Avatar
July 10, 2025 at 7:53 AM
For such a time as this. You captured the fear…of darkness…of flooding…of strange spaces…of death…of tragic death like the one in Texas.
Willason Avatar
July 12, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Hi Kim, Indeed this poem enters the darker regions, both internal and external. Thankyou for your comments, the feedback is very much appreciated my friend.makes a difference. Regards, Paul
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace