Uncovered and wrinkled is my sack, a gigantic hump on my
Back. Frost clutches to these old rags, my body is covered
With burlap bags.
My flesh like ashes my face tinged with blue, my chest
Rattles, my lungs sucking in the morning dew. I have
Traveled on the railroad back and forth, does not matter
Where, south or north.
I sometimes walk city streets when they are dark and dead,
The side of a railroad is where I make my bed. I eat my
Food from old tin cans, I will steal candy from little hands.
I scream for the warmth I see coming from the riverbank,
A bright fire, from this cold I do tire. I think that I am
Burning, I smell smoldering hair, my arms are thrashing in the
Air.
I see evil darkness, what is this madness, I feel spiritually ill,
Then, I gasp in horror when I realize that I am dead. Here on
This cold and damp riverbank someone has severed my head.
Registered©annjohnsonmurphree
Oh wow that ending gave me chills like this alot
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Sorry about the chills, but got the effect I was going for, thank you for the comment. ajm
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Wow! This is one powerful poem!!
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Thank you. Ann
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whew! powerful imagery!
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Thank you, the mind wander’s from time to time bringing back tales from my southern roots and this is what appears on that blank screen. Please visit again soon. ajm
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wow – that made me stop and think……nice!
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Thank you for stopping by, and for the comment. ajm
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Reblogged this on OUR POETRY CORNER.
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Nice! The kind of “dread” that I like in any writing with a bit of a narrative, wish i could pull off the same…
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Thank you so very much. Ann
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as powerful a poem as the ending was chilling……Superb Work!!
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Thank you so much. Ann
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