Aside a street with lamppost sending
shadows back toward the house
hammer strokes transforming nerve
from brittle ice to tempered steel
but no less cold, it coats the path
In bitter rime crushed under heel.
My cheeks are stinging from the chill,
Or is it just your hand, like thunder
Tearing through my courage still
I grip the lamp and crying, wonder.
You promised us eternity,
protection from the dragons, circling
in and out of time.
You promised me to hold my head
above the rising eventide
instead discard me to the sea,
the heartless cold lives on in me.
Ever on the pavement yawns
weave along the sighing alley
leave a song on your machine
the tune belongs in chapels, gone
“I’ll never hurt you”
Silly me.
Moonlight spills its precious blood,
Illuminating my retreat.
Drawing in the frosty air
The road and rime yields to the heat.
I take a step and then one more.
The road gets hotter as I roam
Though I may not withstand the flames
If once you loved me, you’ll stay home
About the Creator
Thomas Speer
I'm a God-fearing tumbleweed of a man, a gentle husband, loving foster parent, screwed up past and amazingly ordained future serving the Lord and expressing his revelation in my writing. Don't expect the dry and sanctimonious, though.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab


Comments (1)
Wooohooooo congratulations on your honourable mention! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊