ventriloquy
I heard a voice behind a wall
but not a human voice at all
more near an evil siren’s call
but darker than
yes darker than …
it carried horror, fear and pain
and stung my ear like acid rain
that haunting, desolate refrain
of aching sighs -
unearthly cries …
it held no kindness or content
resounding with a horrid bent
its beastly song did not relent
not rhyme or rule
it pounded, cruel …
I should have left that wall alone
but mys’try lived inside that moan
a-pleading with its mournful tone
my self aghast
it held me, fast …
and when I thought I’d take no more
a light appeared, then shined a door
but I stood still and thought before
I prayed a bit
then … opened it …
well, when I looked, my heart grew old -
my blood turned ice, my marrow - cold
from what my gaze would then behold …
that thing so vile
it turned to smile …
and then …
Copyright © 2026 Gregory Richard Barden
~ POETRY AGAINST POVERTY ~
( photographic art created copyright-free by the author with Gemini AI / Meta AI software )
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
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
