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Best Poems Written by David Irby

Below are the all-time best David Irby poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

Details | David Irby Poem

Exit

The EXIT sign was flickering 
above the hallway door.
It was the only light within 
the lonely corridor.

The flutter of the light, 
it drew me like a moth to flame.
I walked along the creaking boards 
as Death whispered my name.

The eerie voice, it called to me 
upon the other side.
I trudged along. I had no choice. 
There was no place to hide.

I felt the pull within my soul. 
I had no will to fight.
Finally on the threshold: 
Eyes reflecting EXIT light.

Slowly I looked downward 
to the knob and saw it turn.
I felt a fire within my soul 
begin to slowly burn.

I reached out to touch the knob 
and tried to keep it still.
But I found I could not move. 
Something controlled my will.

The voice that called my name had ceased, 
and silence filled the air.
The door flew open violently, 
and then I saw it there.

At first merely a shadow 
in the dim and wavering light.
I stepped across the threshold, 
and it slowly filled my sight.

It smiled as teeth as white as snow 
reflected from the sign.
The voice it said “Welcome my child. 
Your soul is finally mine”.

The flames of hell now burning bright 
beyond the corridor.
It is the only light that shines 
on this side of the door.

Details | David Irby Poem

Gods

The Reaper kneels upon my grave.
I feel his hands so cold.
He bids me to be strong and brave
and come into the fold.

Softly, he begins to sing
of other worlds to see.
A universe, a great beyond
that is expecting me.

I reach out and grasp his cloak.
We walk into the night
until we reach a golden door
that opens into light.

I find that I envision all
that was or e'er will be.
And that the gods of legend
all reside inside of me.

Details | David Irby Poem

Rose of Death

Kissed by the rose of death.
It's sweet black petals
taste of wine.

I suckle on her
luscious petals,
consuming her
delightful, fragrant aroma

Descending,
Capitulating
to the dark beauty of
her malevolent spell.

Distracted.
Engrossed by 
her ebony lips.

Disregarding
the noxious prick 
of her prodding thorns

Gently piercing,
consuming,
assimilating
my existence.

Details | David Irby Poem

Remaining Days

The remaining days 
have no distinction.
My children 
have abandoned me
to the care of Shady Acres 
Nursing Home.

My friends, all dead now; 
and I sit amidst
a crowd of breathing zombies 
staring blindly out the window 
or into the fuzzy TV screen.

The nurses, smiling sadistic
bitches who prod my skin
and orifices with needles,
enemas and other assorted
tools of torture.

I lie awake at night,
listening to the droning
snores of my roommate.

The room smells like piss
mixed with Pine Sol and tears.

I hope soon to shake 
the welcome hand of death.
For these remaining days 
have no distinction.

Details | David Irby Poem

The Chain

Forced into the servitude 
that living often brings.
Looking forward only 
to a check and worldly things.

Living day by day. He seemed 
to get used to the pain.
A prisoner of living, 
he could never break the chain.

School, then college, then a wife 
and kids thrown in the mix.
Time for fun was over. 
Life was work. No time for kicks.

Soon his marriage ended. 
He fell victim to the strain.
Another lonely prisoner. 
He could never break the chain.

His work soon consumed him. 
There was no one there to care.
His hands grew weak and weary, 
and he lost his long black hair.

Toiling to his grave, 
for there was nothing else to gain.
He rests in peaceful slumber 
as he finally breaks the chain.

Details | David Irby Poem

Join Together

Black and white.
Brown and tan,
Take each other
by the hand.

Look past the skin, 
into the heart
and let love’s 
healing power start.

Each nation needs 
to realize
it’s not the skin, 
the shape of eyes.

It’s not which faith 
is real and true,
but how we treat
gentile and Jew.

For in this world, 
we truly need
respect of every 
race and creed.

And though the world 
is large and cold,
it’s up to us to 
break the mold

and plant the seeds 
of altruism.
End the hatred 
and racism.

Though there still 
may be a few
who want to split 
the world in two,

the world at large 
can join as one
and repair
the evil done.

Though we cannot 
forget the past,
we all can make 
a peace that lasts.

Details | David Irby Poem

Poseidon's Arms

Love is but a sinking ship
that's swallowed by the sea.
And I would be the ocean
if your heart would plunge in me.

Surrender to my currents, love.
Descend beneath the crests.
Take my waters in your lungs,
and I shall give you rest.

Do not resist the rising waves,
nor fight against the tide.
Come into Poseidon's arms,
for they are open wide.

Details | David Irby Poem

Mask

You see me laugh. You see me smile.
My heart and soul, unreconciled.
Happiness for me is rare.
It's just another mask I wear.

You see me talking in a crowd.
The joyful soul who laughs out loud.
Yet my heart is a lonesome lair.
The extrovert, a mask I wear.

A private soul, I must pretend.
The courtesies that I extend,
an Oscar winning grand affair,
and just another mask I wear.

Details | David Irby Poem

Yours For the Taking

My last thought at night, 
and my first upon waking.
I love only you. My heart's 
yours for the taking.

I offer myself in a
goblet of passion
and tender my reason
sans logic or ration.

For you're the reflection
I see in the mirror.
My heart is aflame.
All my senses are clearer.

My soul's gone from black
to a warm amber hue.
My love is a gift,
that was meant just for you.

Details | David Irby Poem

Damned

I curse the night that lives in me
and turned my heart so cold.

I blaspheme the hollow gods
who failed to save my soul.

I blame the laughing crones of fate
who placed me in this cell 

and bargain with Beelzebub
to pardon me from hell.  

Though I burn inside the flames
of infernos I made,

I shall suffer silently,
and feign I'm not afraid.

I damn the tears inside my eyes,
for I won't cry aloud.

Although I know that I am doomed,
my head shall ne'er be bowed.