Do not fear the dwindling light; the night
In autumn is no ordinary dark
From pain and sorrow it grants a respite
As we approach the fixed, unmoving mark
That strong bulwark that divides life from death
With each rosy dawn and orange twilight
Grows softer and retreats, like indrawn breath
Such that some fallen soldier or dead knight
Might through a midnight meadow wander free
Mutely to stare at unbelieving eyes;
Or a forgotten maiden, fair to see
Might use some waltzing leaves as a disguise
And dance from Death's domain into our own
Her sparkling gown by hands skeletal sewn
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This is a humble, hopefully haunting submission for Mike Singleton's Octoberon Unofficial Dollar Prompt Challenge, the details of which can be found below:
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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Standing While Falling
Quotation from Friedrich Nietzsche "He who wrestles long with monsters should beware lest he himself become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you. Man is not destroyed by suffering, but by the meaning he makes of it."
By LUCCIAN LAYTH5 days ago in Critique
Comments (10)
Downplayed spookiness...the type of which to beware.
I absolutely love the visuals this sonnet evokes. You've outdone yourself - this is truly sublime!
I love the poem, and am mesmerized by the pic you created. Excellent work.
Mesmerizing, D.J.! “With each rosy dawn and orange twilight Grows softer and retreats, like indrawn breath” were such stunning brilliant lines!!
The waltzing leaves image leaves an indelible impression . Wonderful job!
I loved "Her sparkling gown by hands skeletal sewn" 😁 The picture is gorgeous, too!
Oooo, this was so hauntingly beautiful! Loved it so much!
Magical, like a Pre-Raphaelite painting in its romanticism. I loved it. Deftly done. Humble you may be but marvellous this is!
Poetically dark and perfect for the season , thank you so much for this wonderful sonnet, and those pictures are amazing
Spooky, delicious, and deep...loved the truths within this poem.