Watch the Specter

a ghost-like interloper controls and directs his newly subservient minions

Watch the Specter

 

 

When I close my eyes and count the droplets

Those eyes hope the tears have come;

Sifting sand through stubby fingers,

Like barbed wire, softly spun.

Jagged peaks on shifting landscapes

Swell till grinning shadows cry,

Hatred screams its garbled greetings,

Answers stop and crack the sky.

 

Stars align like neon road signs,

Pointing out the cosmic streets;

Slips of memory’s whispered secrets;

Tossing gems at princely feet.

Cackling laughter echoes wildly,

Gazing into dimming fires;

Seek the truth and stop the madman

As he reveals his warped desires.

 

Out of peace grow troubled battles

Coexistence growing harder;

Wishes falter, whispered anger

Changes fear to something smarter.

City lamps and rural moonlight

Gather all the darker scholars;

Count the pebbles, pile the harvest,

That the Night converts to dollars.

 

            Watch the specter count the mourners;

            Watch him grin in patient waiting.

                                    Watch the specter call the order;

                                    Watch them line up,

Watch the hating.

 

 

dan © 2015

Reviews

[Willard Wells]

Fun read with good imagery. I liked the neon road signs. Well done.

[dan]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Willard. Thanks so much for the read/review. take care...dan

[Roshan Nair]

Wow dan, this was some really dark writing, extremely engaging albeit, like it was write out of a classic iron maiden album.. I loved all the images you painted out here. they seemed near really, like you actually conjured them up in your head to work. Great write. mind transporting poem id say. Cheers :)

[dan]

Now, invoking heavy metal into a review of my stuff is inspiring. I'm an aging metal head watching VH1 Classic and scrawling poetry on my walls. Thanks Roshan for making me smile today! take care...dan

[Falling Leaf.]

This was incredible. Scrolling through my hundreds of read requests, your picture for this piece drew me in for sure. Then I read it, and how magnificent it is... In all honesty when someone requests me rhyming poetry I normally quit before I am halfway through.... but your first lines drew me in to the end. Well done.

[dan]

When I first started writing poetry 40 years ago I rarely rhymed. At some point (when I played bass in a band) I imagined I was writing song lyrics, so I started rhyming; lately I've been returning to free verse (that IS what it's called, isn't it?). Belonging to Starlite (I am no longer welcome there) got me even more into rhyming due to the challenges (long story). So now when my mind has a fertile idea it doesn't know how to decide to write it. So I'm on a fence (and, seemingly, on a soapbox) right now. I just keep doing what feels right at the time. Thank you so much for your great review, I'm happy that you liked it. take care...dan

[Olivia]

This is one of my favorite pieces you have done! beautiful and very direct

[dan]

Olivia, thank you for taking the time to read and review. That's all it takes to make me smile, I'm easy that way. take care...dan

[~]

WOW Dan!! You have raised the bar of your poetry. A flawless description of someone in need of help or hope. The imagery powerfully dances through each carefully chosen word. Well done my friend!!!

[dan]

Thank you, ms. I've got to say that this is one of MY favorites. This was one of those writes in which my fingers are tapping almost as fast as my thoughts are flowing...and the thoughts are coming rapid-fire, as if I am manic. Thanks so much for your read/review. take care...dan

[Tks]

This is a shivering, yet intriguing read, Dan! So much of your poem is based from a helpless person's perspective who is standing by...unable to do anything. This could infact be a really good introduction to a novel indeed!

[dan]

Tks, Thank you, but my writing abilities don't stretch to do that; I can't conceive and/or sustain an idea for any length of write. The 'helpless person's perspective' is indeed what I was reaching for. Thank you for your review! take care...dan

[Jerome F Knox III pseud..]

The ebbs flow nicely against vibrant hues sprinkled with life's lessons....

Out of peace grow troubled battles
Coexistence growing harder;
Wishes falter, whispered anger
Changes fear to something smarter.
City lamps and rural moonlight
Gather all the darker scholars;
Count the pebbles, pile the harvest,
That the Night converts to dollars.

My favorite lines....

[dan]

Aaah, Rico...my favorites are "watch them line up, watch the hating." I'm happy that you like it, it seemed like it would be right up your alley, right in your wheelhouse. Your reviews are always so generous, I have to convince myself that they are deserved. take care...dan

[Jerome F Knox III pseudonym Nefarious J. Dorsey]

They are...I have to admit that I was going to stop writing because against the poetic canvas I felt inept. It was the same reason I failed in high school.

[dan]

Rico I'm telling you that you have talent, and most of it you probably don't yet realize how to tap into it. But if you keep writing it will come to you like a dream. Don't quit! dan