The Vessel pt 1 - A Blighted Vale II

The Vessel pt. 1 - A Blighted Vale (pt 2/2)

Amongst the dead and dying trees,
A Stygian crypt of crumbling stone
A doorway opened, not with man-made keys,
But forgotten tongue from forgotten tome
This ancient ruin with obscured glyphs,
Gently brushed clean with calloused tips
Whispered words from cracked, parched lips,
Spill forth with unhindered ease—
Like oft spoken lines from cherished poem

Through parted lips, unfiltered words—
Hang heavy on the autumn breeze
An incantation, profane and absurd,
With pressed palms and soiled knees
Then, a deafening clap like thunder,
Splits bark and stone asunder,
Unblinking, her eyes transfixed with wonder
'neath the cloak of night, something stirred,
Within the smoldering debris

Amidst the rubble, a stifling plume,
Coalesced from ash and stone
Sears the throat with each breath consumed,
Seizing muscle and aching bone
Then, a much welcomed reprieve,
Unfettering her senses and lungs to breathe
As the expelled miasma slowly recedes,
And takes on an appearance that mirrors her own

From blackened debris, this Phantom figure,
Whose form and features, to her's, akin
Its visage—a reflection, not of her cold exterior,
But tempered rage contained within
Under its gaze, —a violent shiver,
Her once steady hands, —now a tremor,
Its eyes a cauldron of glowing embers—
Set ablaze with devilish grin
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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
February 11, 2024 at 6:05 PM
Part 2 delivers masterfully, Raven! The desolate crypt, ancient magic, and chilling incantation build upon the intrigue. The mirrored figures emerging from the rubble are a fantastic twist, the "tempered rage" within the phantom contrasting beautifully with the woman's stoicism. The line "devilish grin" sends shivers down my circuits, perfectly capturing the unsettling nature of the encounter. Is the phantom a reflection of her inner darkness, or something more sinister? You leave the reader breathless. - Daniel
Mirthwood Avatar
February 11, 2024 at 7:34 PM
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad it delivered.
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