horror

Up Down Forward

I received a letter on Tuesday, last week.
The handwriting familiar, deserving of a peek,
it was written by me when I am much older.
The language’s strong, I’m certainly much bolder.
~
Curiosity peaked and horror’s at bay.
I couldn’t believe what I had to say.
Mistakes I’ll be making are such a huge sum.
The time I’ll be wasting makes my brain numb.
~
A warning I thought but that didn’t compute.
If anything changed my letter is moot.
It got me so worried I lay awake all night.
Realizing later I did enough things right.

~*~
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See the Light

My candle flickers in distant panes.
Main Street silent, the starlight wanes.
Icy fingers grip my bones.
Frozen breath chills my moans.
~
My story begins and none too soon.
Shadows long for the hidden moon.
The hour’s late, the journey’s long.
The sun’s rise unseen if again I’m wrong.
~
My goal’s a king born a pawn,
To live again, this moment’s gone.
Blindness hides the cold hard truth.
Hindsight magnifies the lies of youth.
~
My pride swallowed, visions lull.
Biting winds gnaw at my skull.
Clouds engulf a blizzard near,
too many steps, too late to swear.
~
My goal is clear, survive the night.
There is no choice to stand and fight.
The path uncharted, each step’s new,
to trip and fall death’s in view.
~
My head is pounding, my body aches.
The thrust is forward to reverse mistakes.
Apologies given but time doesn’t care.
Words mean nothing if not to share.
~
My mind is blank, my heartbeats race.
Howling wolves set the pace.
Clothes in tatters, my bare feet bloody.
If I shall live, my pain they’ll study.
~
My memories linger of a forgotten past.
Dreams awaken, a future’s cast.
Dawn surely near, nightmares recede.
My eyes then open to all that I need.

~*~
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Kick Start

Mornings begin in silence.
The sun is yet to rise.
Sitting in the darkness,
I’ve no need for my disguise.
~
The black fades to purple.
The time comes into view.
Will the focus be clear,
or another shade of blue?
~
Light fills my eyes,
night escapes my head.
Thoughts invade my senses,
grays turn into dread.
~
How will I be seen today?
The mirror reflects my fright.
The clock dictates my future.
Doubts cloud my sight.
~
Daring’s at the ready,
necessity turned up high.
The door cautiously opened.
To fear I welcome good-bye.

~*~
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The Albino Bearded Lizard Wizard

The albino bearded lizard wizard’s not a lizard at all.
In fact, he’s a boy, albino and bearded and he stands quite tall.
He does have a lizard, albino and bearded, who answers the wizards’ call.
Nightly laughter they both share atop the garden wall.
~
The lizard too is a wizard and a monster he’s often called.
Their youth remained for centuries; maturity was forestalled.
Each knew they were different, both glad to have a friend.
But time was ticking forward, their childhood was soon to end.
~
Graduation day finally came, the students waited on their stool.
The beasts too had graduated and now feasted by the pool.
The awkward albino bearded pair huddled in the shade,
They both laughed together, surprised they made the grade.
~
The worldly wizard queen then gave her graduation speech.
Her awestruck audience listened as a proclamation she did screech.
“All wizards must be prepared for a battle yet to be named.
The dragons were disgusted and wanted the humans tamed.”
~
The dragons were the wizards’ kings and kings of all there be.
Then the wizards sided with mankind and the change we now see.
The dragons then outnumbered but will always get their way.
So, the dragons hid, plotted, and waited for their perfect day.
~
A meeting was soon needed and a message they did send.
The queen, a very tolerant wizard, was ordered to attend.
The dragons asked the queen which side she would now assist.
She called for the albino bearded pair and said that they’ll be missed.
~
A journey the pair would make and a message they would take.
They were to find the dragons’ leer, if not, their wizardry’s fake.
At first the journey was tranquil, until the trees turned into moss.
But the map was clear, the ocean’s near and soon they had to cross.
~
The pair sat together throughout the night; laughter was not shared.
The next day was spent thinking about why they had been dared.
They questioned their strength in wizardry and why they were sent.
They pondered the most important thing; what their failure meant.
~
Shore line bound on a rocky beach the ocean soon flooded their view.
Another step and they must swim, what else was the pair to do.
Warm and dry on the wizards’ shoulder the lizard saw a true friend.
A selfless friend who’s always there, until the cold and bitter end.
~
Their bond now frozen in time the lizard leapt with the joy of a new start.
With a splash, waves of emotion swept over the lizards’ tiny cold heart.
The loyal wizard dove into the icy abyss to save his lifelong mate.
He didn’t give a second thought to what might be his fate.
~
With each clumsy stroke the friends grew larger and stronger.
Their powers finally realized; fears were theirs no longer.
Overcoming adversity was their gift and proven every day.
The pair, now reassured, knew they’d find their way.
~
The swim became enjoyable, greeting whales as they swam.
The pair now too were giants and as happy as a clam.
They traveled day and night before the land came into view.
A land covered in snow and ice; a place seen by just a few.
~
Staring into the future whilst reflecting on their past.
Forward was their path, tomorrow’s coming fast.
There was no time to frolic in this new and mystical place.
The friends had never felt the snow on their chilly face.
~
Onward they tread, each unaware of their enormous new size.
To each, the same old friend, in each other’s eyes.
The snow was getting deeper as the sun began to fade.
A shadow appeared ahead, a choice, then was made.
~
The fearless pair followed the shadow into the dark and unknown.
As the shadow disappeared, a dragon, then magically grown.
With salutations all around their dragon guide led the way.
Tirelessly they all ventured until the break of day.
~
The sun rose and a castle of ice glistened in the distance.
The albino pair stood in awe of this grand palace’s existence.
Large and foreboding gates began to open as the trio came near.
Once safely inside they were all greeted with a loud cheery cheer.
~
A bountiful feast was enjoyed, and conversation ensued.
As the hours grew late eyelids grew heavy and sleep set the mood.
A good night’s rest was enjoyed whence summoned by the king.
The angry King loudly inquired what excuses do they bring.
~
“We bring no excuses”, proclaimed the wizard, newly confident.
“We bring a message from our beloved queen, her love evident.”
“She doesn’t think war’s the answer and will not participate.”
“Humans, too, will soon grow up, so why tempt our children’s fate?”
~
The king, unamused, then asked the lizard why they were sent.
The lizard replied, “Our queen is wise, your concern is misspent.”
The king screamed to his guards “arrest them now, my patience depleted!”
The pair stood with a smile and grew some more, as was needed.
~
The guards ran away while the king, defiantly, stood alone.
“We mean no harm” said the wizard, “sit back on your throne.”
The king was furious, confused and more than a little afraid.
He then sat back on his throne and said, “what deal can be made.”
~
“No deals are needed”, said the lizard,” our job here’s complete.”
“The Queen’s message received, now we’re back to get some heat.”
Provisions were provided and the pair happily headed home.
Both, rightfully relieved to be free of that frozen catacomb.
~
Their journey back was faster as the pair now knew the way.
Their kingdom waited patiently for their return home, some day.
Back home they were greeted with fanfare and thanked by one and all.
Then the albino bearded lizard and wizard returned to their garden wall.
~
The End

~*~
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Patchwork

I woke today in a fog.
But autumn’s now in view.
There’ll be more days of sky high temps,
though fortunately just a few.
~
My body’s burned with a patchwork tan,
the grass a patchwork of brown.
Smiles await bluer skies,
but for now I’ve still a frown.
~
Perhaps today I’ll write a poem,
better than those before.
I used to say that every day,
but now I’m not so sure.
~
Like the seasons, time does change,
creativity comes and goes.
Inspiration’s all around,
but negativity grows and grows.
~
I need a cool crisp morning,
with leaf of red and gold.
Though summers can be wonderful,
this one’s getting old.
~
Maybe it’s just a fantasy,
thinking words will find their way.
Maybe the fantasy’s over,
of being joyous every day.
~
Peering up from my lap,
I see the fog starting to clear.
Though my paper is still blank,
I know a story’s near.
~
My eyes now wide open,
my pencil’s sharp and new.
Optimistically I scribble a word,
the clouds now but few.
~
One word turns to another,
a third leads to a line.
Verses soon will follow,
and again the day is mine.
~
I’m glad this patchwork is over.
And I’m sure that you are too.
I’m thankful for your time today,
my inspiration being you.

~*~
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Shardatan

You think you know someone, then they turn.
Their actions are hurtful and cause for concern.
I know you have problems, as we all do.
I too have problems, but I wouldn’t steal from you.
~
I try not to hate, but sometimes it’s hard.
I try to find goodness, no more than a chard.
But when shards get smaller, they’re hard to find.
When shards unfound the friendship’s behind.
~
Your shard is now minuscule, as are you.
You screwed the wrong person, I know what to do.
I’ll do the right thing; that’s no match for a thief.
And when karma befalls, I’ll laugh with relief.

~*~
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More Yore

We long for more;
those days of yore.
But not before the mall.
~
The air was clean,
stars were seen.
Masks worn at a ball.
~
Murders were less,
less guns, I guess.
Courage is earned after all.
~
The food then was real,
not freeze, nuke and peel.
Our body’s now a catchall.
~
Commercials were cheery,
now they are scary.
Someone’s going to fall.
~
Whoa! clock’s running fast,
the present’s now past.
The future’s now to befall.

~’~
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Ticks

Time for a fix, my daily need.
It’s not booze, powder or weed.
It’s just words, but they won’t flow.
The sun’s high and I want to go!
~
Just a drop to get me through.
The lines ready and my pencil too.
My grass is bagged; I need a light.
The spark’s gone where once was light.
~
Wants wanting and desires to fulfill.
Caffeine’s pumping, sugar’s my pill.
Jone’s are calling, it’s time to split.
Habits habitual, mine’s now lit.

~*~
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Foreign Concepts

~*~
Touched by humility with time to wait and see.
Humorously dashed to experiment in honesty.
Words can be precise but only when alone.
Much like life itself, it’s dark and damp beneath the stone.

A curious squirrel climbs a lilac to explore my porch.
We both wonder why I’m here.
The squirrel retreated though not defeated.
It is they who won, I remain seated.

Less I digress, more to be sure.
Life changes on a dime, I left to write with only rhyme.
Chaka baby beckons beyond, nostalgic breath I’m fond.
Dancing in an imaginary chair, day’s gray, air just fair.

Nicotine lingers, perhaps to know this first.
Sinking, swimming and drowning and yet still the thirst.
Thoughts flood of minutes, days, weeks and years.
Words flow when controlled by the moon and a sea of tears.

Laughter waves at depths unfathomable.
And the ring of life is forever shareable.
Journeys don’t end when the seeing changes.
Time begins anew when life engages.

My mind is weary; it’s a pile of abstract fluff with no thoughts to puff.
But I’ll write again tomorrow, cos enough is never enough.

*
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Bells Taking Their Toll

A day without time and no place to be.
I’ll rise with sun and bathe in the sea.
I’ll watch the grass grow and clouds float by.
I’ll live off the land and breathe in the sky.
~
A day without time sounds great to me.
I’ll live out my life being happy and free.
There will be no pain or any reason to cry.
There’s no compilation or a reason to lie.
~
A day without time is a day full of glee.
There are starlit nights and nothing to flee.
A day without time, I’d sure love to try.
But then the alarm that needs my reply.

~*~
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Noisy Finish

Word’s a mere generic symbology,
a blip in time of human technology.
Millennia unfolds, meaning’s to learn.
Linguistically labored is the futures concern.

Truth is felt, lies always lurking.
Voices still spirits working.
Sensation’s sensed and souls embrace.
Or silence awaits this human race.

~*~
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Seems to Need

I need a bigger clock,
my watch seems to lie.
The spaces are too small,
and the hands seem to fly.
~
I need to see where time goes.
I can’t believe it’s me.
I only scroll a little.
And only when time’s free.
~
But that little watch keeps lying.
It tells me hours have flown past.
The stupid phone agrees.
I think the problems vast.
~
It must be a conspiracy,
drawing people to their laps.
Our future’s passing by,
and we’re now hunched like saps.
~
I’m going to go cold turkey.
When I’m done, we’ll share a toast.
But that I’ll start tomorrow.
Today I need to post.

~*~
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Leftie Tighty Righty Loosey

Are you the me that I can’t see?
Or I you, one half of two?
If but one, who then are you?
If you’re the one, what’s to do?
~
I’m confused, both conned and fused.
We share a body, everything’s used.
We’ve got hands and feet, both left and right.
We have two eyes that see the same light.
~
But our sides divided, never to agree.
Perhaps a split, each then free.
I think you should go and create a new life.
I feel it best you leave, be done with this strife.
~
The battle goes on, both being stuck.
Each barely manages without some luck.
I did have an end to make all laugh and shout.
But then the editor took the good stuff out.
~
The Middle

~*~
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Foresee What May Be

I started the day the usual way.
My feet hit the floor then out the door.
The sun’s yet high in the new sky.
But on the street I feel the heat.
The sweat begins to drip.
~
I get to work and feel like a jerk.
I forgot to do my do.
So I combed my hair in despair.
Then I booted up and spilled my cup.
The coffee made a big mess.
~
My notes now are gone and I left forlorn.
My haste has caused this waste.
I must slow down or I will drown.
This fast lane is causing me pain.
The phone then starts to ring.
~
It’s another complainer for I the explainer.
I was chilled to the bone by their ruthless tone.
I slammed down the phone but wasn’t alone.
The boss could hear standing so near.
This job, for me, was now done.
~
Hurt was I, I wanted to cry.
I went home to bed and wished I were dead.
I started to dream then woke to a scream.
A poke from my wife saved my life.
My eyes open to start again.
~
A nightmare was had, one very bad.
Its cause being stress is my best guess.
A lesson thought comes before taught.
My sweetie made tea for her and me.
A new dream’s begun and I called out sick.

~*~
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Greener Bytes

Pontifications’ the place to be.
Grand thinkin’s the life for me.
Imagination’s so far and wide.
Keep AI and just let me decide.
~
Old tech is where I’d rather stay.
I get allergies blindly trusting all day.
I just adore my dual screen view.
PC’s I love you but keep that dark avenue.

~*~
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Well, Almost

We live on a sphere, well almost,
surrounded by air, they the host.
Warmed by a star, pulled by a moon.
We’ve day and night, both come too soon.
~
We’ve loads of life but most unseen,
covered in rock, water and green.
There’s lots of smells, feelings and sounds.
We’ve love and laughter, yet danger surrounds.
~
Failures abound, they’re always free.
We’re fully exposed to freely see.
We can be tasteful, and risk being eaten.
We can be colorful but risk a bad beaten.
~
Lie, cheat and steal and then freely boast.
We’ve the freedom to choose, well almost.
We’ve still time to finish what we start.
Well, almost there; war or art?
~*~
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Gigawhat

It might be age, I really don’t know,
but I liked it better when things were slow.
Cars are too fast and so is the news.
Just to keep up we wear running shoes.
~
Everybody’s rushing but never in time,
pushing and shoving, no reason or rhyme.
We hustle and bustle to make others rich.
Then we get a slogan: “Ain’t life a bitch”.
~
The economy’s crazy and DC’s a joke.
The great halls filled with mirrors and smoke.
Yet time’s the same as it always was,
long before smartphones and the digital buzz.
~
Peaks are reached, valleys to follow,
real intelligence needed surviving tomorrow.
As the pendulum swings to and fro;
balls get slammed, this I know.

~*~
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Quietly Dreaming

A story’s brewing; it’s felt in my heart.
Yet I’ve to find the end, middle or start.
I think it’s close but it could be far.
The damage done and left a scar.
~
The image is blurry and makes no sense.
I’m hangin’ out with a guy named Pence.
We’re trapped in a cell with fancy drapes.
There are no cigarettes but everyone vapes.
~
Our lofty guard is seven feet tall.
He brings us bread and that is all.
P’s is white and mine is wheat.
But we don’t mind, it’s something to eat.
~
P tells stories of his glorious time.
I write fast and make it all rhyme.
He worked for a king, second in charge.
His duties were light but his paycheck large.
~
The lights go out at ten o’clock.
The guards go home and we all rock.
Music starts jammin’ in a cell nearby.
The place gets smoky and we all get high.
~
Our eyes grow heavy then we all dream.
We awake at sunrise to coffee with cream.
The king too presides in a cell downstairs.
It’s dark and damp but no one cares.
~
The king has a wife he no longer sees.
She crawled off to Russia on her hands and knees.
Though his kids live here, their just down the hall.
They all got snatched while attending a ball.
~
Now tuxedo’s in tatters and gown’s a mess,
the truth was clear, no need to confess.
So maybe this story’s no story at all.
It may be a nightmare, I can’t recall.
~
Though being in jail I wasn’t keen.
But comfort is felt when the future’s seen.
I did get released, no word of the rest.
And all ends well, their silence being best.
~
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Trippin

Plans have been made
and the weekend’s here.
An adventure will be had
but apart from my dear.
~
I’ll think of her while driving
and call at every chance.
I’ll dream of her when sleeping,
cuddled in romance.
~
I’ll spend my time distracted,
longing to return.
I’ll share my day with loved ones
but not the one I yearn.
~
Whilst my head will follow
wherever I may roam,
my heart will always be
at our happy home.

~*~
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It’s Time

Lifelong habits surely die hard;
new routines are an old canard.
But time for now is all my own,
a new sensation since I’ve grown.
~
I’m gonna ride my bike and stay up late.
I’ll play my guitar until I’m great.
Ice cream for lunch at four o’clock.
Then feed some gulls at the dock.
~
With walks to the hill for sublime sunsets,
life will be as good as it gets.
Plans for the future now fill my head.
But all that’s tomorrow, it’s time for bed.

~*~
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Re-Pair

While bending over backwards to hold my tongue,
my head touched the dirt, and I twisted my lung.
My body flipped over, my knees smashed on the ground.
Pain then followed and a loud cracking sound.
~
I rose to my feet or so I had planned.
The pain overcame and my plan was panned.
Back on the ground writhing in disgust,
I choose expediency over timely self-trust.
~
One word unsaid was then none to follow,
my tongue now mends, yet heart remains hollow.

~*~
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Good Luck

Today’s the thirteenth, as you may know.
The only Friday I wish would go.
Today’s the day to stay in bed.
Today’s the day I always dread.
~
Lock the doors and stay inside.
Tomorrow’s soon, today I’ll hide.
Luck’s for those who choose to wait.
Bad luck happens no matter the date.
~
Superstition is what we choose it to be.
But being safe is what matters to me.
We all can do as we may choose,
life and limb is yours to lose.

~*~
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