Path Of Reckoning

Which path will you be on?

The November moon casts a cold silver glow o’er the ancient burial ground far below as midnight mist snakes around old ashen gravestones settled in the ground and badly decayed by each winter’s wrath –it is here that I spy a peculiar path marked by a menacing oak tree; its scraggly dead branches beckon to me like the bone-thin fingers of a timeworn woman. My name is carried to me on the wind, whispered by an unknown entity, telling me it’s here that my journey begins…

 

Fear grips my heart when I pass the great oak, and a legion of others mimic Death’s dark cloak; I tread past them nervously, aware of every step I gain and squint my eyes when I realize the cold November rain has stolen the moonlight from the sky and cursed me with icy shards of pain. I draw my collar up ‘round my neck, driven by instinct to protect myself from the unkind elements; I increase my pace and regretfully lament my unfortunate choice to give in to curiosity – I’m now quite certain evil waits for me. I silently plead to the powers that be to keep me safe from unseen enemies.

 

Smugly perched in the oaks up high are the resident ravens with their judging eyes. I trace their gaze and gasp in fright, for the head of the path has disappeared into the night! With my only means of escape now gone, I swallow hard and continue on. My thoughts are racing wildly and the damned ravens’ eyes are mocking me! The wind carries with it a terrifying tale but I refuse to believe that somewhere in my life I failed. Unwillingly I’m drawn to that which is beckoning; judgment day has come for me, and tonight’s the time for reckoning.

 

I trudge this path owned by Fate and my life’s regrets come haunting me: the wasted years and countless tears -- the movie in my mind plays dauntingly. Promises broken, words not spoken, trusts betrayed and enemies made, anger displayed, bad ways I’d behaved -- my past will not cease taunting me. My head hangs low all the while I go because I suddenly know where my journey ends…the air is drier from the heat of raging fire; my journey is over and I’m abound with dread. I know it’s my time but I am horrified to find that the entire time I walked……..I was already dead.

 

Author's Note

Another write inspired by the photo....and ravens....and weather....and.........

Reviews

[Nicholas Hallows]

Thanks for the request I enjoyed reading this. You really made the most of the imagery and language. I especially liked the second and third stanza. My reading read up as the narrator's thoughts raced and I could sense the feeling of frightful urgency. Very good. NH

[Beautifully Tragic xPoe..]

Wow. A haunting captivating piece. Loved this, Tania. Great Write.

[Ken Simm.]

You have painted this visually exceptionally well. A dark and forbidding play.

[Captain Blackheart (The..]

Oh Sh*t Tania, This is a very haunting piece, so some reason I sort of knew what was going on but I was still knock out by the ending being already dead.....A very vivid image of walking into hell itself. Great Write!

[ELii]

Like the imagagery. This line is very moving.
My name is carried to me on the wind, whispered by an unknown entity, telling me it's here that my journey begins�

[Legion]

Intimidating. Very disturbing journey. Great write.

[None]

I'm drawn by the path and your talented way to take me there...."as midnight mist snakes around old ashen gravestones settled in the ground and badly decayed by each winter's wrath �it is here that I spy a peculiar path"...your poem haunts but in a different kind of way--not spooky but dark. You do dark so well and that is evident throughout this incredible write. Your rhyming within is exceptional in the last paragraph/stanza. Your final words nail this completely and gave me goosebumps!

[Laughing Lunatic]

This ones going in my library! I loved it as always you have out done yourself the ending was outstanding. =)

[John Parker]

Very nice write......loved the ending to this piece.......one of my favorite pieces you have written and requested for me to read........