King of the Mountain

Death claims us all in the end...

One fleeting second

Wrapped in the absence of light

Threatens to extinguish

All that was right.

 

Forever needing to escape

This demand has become too great;

The implications of life and death

Are mine to own and not regret.

 

Oh the look,

That would soil your face

If you ever knew…

As you brushed your teeth,

I contemplated death.

 

Please,

Understand

You can’t save me

No one can.

 

Death claims us all,

- He’s King of the Mountain -

We all adhere to his call;

In the end.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading, thoughts are always welcome :)

I should have prefaced this by saying this was partially inspired by a trip through the oncology ward last week. It was very humbling.

Reviews

[B-poet]

It's unfortunate and yet inevitable at the same time. Your poems about death and self degradation are very unique and interesting at the same token. Nice work. :)

[s y e]

"Death claims us all,
- He’s King of the Mountain -
We all adhere to his call;
In the end."

Wow, all your writes are really powerful! They all make a huge impact! Its a sad write but its true. Death does claim us all, some too soon.

~ Noodle.★

[Kristin Lee]

Thanks noodle

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

The last stanza in this piece was truly touching...a sad reality is the expiration of life, though I believe in death, we also find another life--it is not the end, rather the beginning of something else. Haunting imagery here, and metaphorically significant as well. I enjoyed this read.

[Kristin Lee]

Thanks, I tend to share your belief. When I'm mot starring mortality in the face. That can be a little scary.

[Astro]

Inevitability sits smiling at the bottom as we carefully measure up our lives. There is only one path for us and it has an end, so contemplation is needless. It is better to contemplate a way to live for it is the only thing we truly have control of. Some chilling imagery in this one Kristin like that fleeting moment when darkness takes over and you are captivated by how bright the light once was.

[Kristin Lee]

No worries, this piece was not about any intent of self harm...though that seems to be the general interpretation, and it could be applied to that situation - I've known those feelings too. But now and days I agree that our time is better spent musing over how best to live than ways to check out.

It was chilling, walking into the oncology unit and being the only woman with long hair. Having people starring at me while I waited for the hematologist, envying my youth, my hair, pitying me, and wondering what was wrong with me all at the same time. Despite being in a hospital waiting room, you could almost smell death. I was totally unprepared for that experience. That's all this piece is about. Making peace with mortality and our frail nature.

[Astro]

Oh I guaged your reflection quite well, and I know you have a penchant for dark writing so, I was more giving an alternative reaction than a concerned lecture. Keep smiling kiddo!

[Kristin Lee]

Too smart for your own good. ;) Thank you. I'm not worried. I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon.

[Astro]

There's simply too much to experience and do!

[Kristin Lee]

Exactly!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A salutary but sombre write that provokes reflections upon our frailty and the random nature of death. I think we ignore this for the most part until death comes to touch us like when walking through oncology.

[Kristin Lee]

You can tell from the comments just how much we want to ignore it. But it doesn't make it any less real. Thanks John for reading and offering your thoughts.

[Sami Khalil]

So much power and truth in your words . The ending was great. All well done and flows greatly...Thank you for sharing...:)

[Kristin Lee]

Thanks Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...:)

[Angi]

Death claims us all, it's true. That old reaper needs to schedule me waaay in the future, though. You too, my friend. We have too many things yet to do! Angi~

[Kristin Lee]

Oh, no worries there. I've no plans to follow death anywhere. I make my own path. I always have.

[Jack...]

Dark again Kristin. Deep thoughts about life and death. This is something we all know but tend to ignore...most of the time. Very cool my friend.

[Kristin Lee]

yes, dark. An appointment at the hospital last week took me through the oncology ward. I was totally unprepared for the emotional bombardment that left me feeling utterly helpless.

[Jack...]

How are you feeling now, if I may ask?

[Kristin Lee]

Honestly...frustrated. More tests and no definitive answers. But I'm fine. That's the thing about me, I'm tough.

hey I am going to submit to that publisher you told me about :) They were closed for submissions for May and June. But I am gearing up to send one in for future consideration.

[Jack...]

Let me know what you send. I was just talking to their managing editor a few minutes ago. I will tell her to be on the lookout for it.

[Kristin Lee]

OK, I submitted Feasting on Souls,and Dead Men Tell No Lies. I was debating on trying my hat on my new short story but I'm not confident enough with it yet. Thanks so much Jack!