The Baker's Curse
Horror Poetry to Mark The Great Fire of London
On this date in September 1666, a spark from a humble Baker's oven in Pudding Lane, London. What was an ordinary fire swallowed homes, churches and other buildings in the very heart of the city.
On the surface, it seemed like carelessness. Others say that the fire was a result of curses hidden in the baker's bread.
The loaves whispered, and London burned.
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The bakery old, on Pudding Lane
Flickering light through window panes,
Old-fashioned bread, concocted hot, in droves,
A smell--not yeast--comes through the loaves.
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The oven's flicker bent its head,
Curling hot, a serpent's tongue--
It would not die, but burnt in dread
Baking more than loaves of bread
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The loaves crack open, spilling smoke,
The fire feeds on prayers evoked--
From its split, soulless laughter, canned--
The sounds of hurt, of lost souls damned.
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The fire sears forth, a rancid beast,
Through a city, inflamed, ablaze--
Tower bells chime, stone gargoyles chase,
They lurch forth, forms choked in haze.
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An echo remains, in London's soil
The fire still burns, though fast asleep--
A baker in a kitchen toils--
His apron drifts, his soul will keep.
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The loaves whisper what the flame don't speak
His apron drifts, his soul will keep.
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For Mikeydred's September Challenge
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (4)
I know of the fires in London but I did not know the cause or that there was any sort of rumor of curse. Interesting! I love your poem. Very well written.
Curses hidden in the bakers bread. They seemed to have been head deep in those speculations... The flow. The rhythm. The whimsy feel in histories theme. I just can't get enough. So I am going to read it again. Also, loving the fires, separating the stanzas. This has got to be one of my favourites from you. Not only did you pick a great and entertaining topic but you didn't forget to deliver the smooth buttery lines. Outstanding work Michelle 👌🏾👏🏾🤗❤️
What a dramatic and poignant poem, Michelle. Gives you a different perspective on the devastating fire.
Oh wow, I don't think I've heard of this incident. It's so scaryyyy. Loved your poem!