(A/N: Inspired by the mythological creature Harry Potter battles in "The Chamber of Secrets", the second book and movie in the HP series.)
Incubating beneath the heat of the Dog Star,
a basilisk egg shivers as if touched by cool ghostly fingers.
Its transparent interior glows with a vaporous swirl of colors,
twisting, writhing, struggling to coalesce into solid form.
Moving forward, a huge snake mimics the dance of lights,
its reptilian body crawling over the crumbling faces etched on tombstones.
Winding itself around the spherical egg,
the snake covers it with a blanket of lustrous scales.
Pulsations press and squeeze.
Overhead, Sirius, the Dog Star, throbs.
The egg splits.
The hatchling emerges, scorching the grass beneath,
its middle raised high, expanding wings specked with
yellow, blue, red, green.
Spiders flee, burrowing beneath the crackling, dry leaves.
As a blast of deadly breath strikes it,
a tombstone collapses to dust.
A rabbit caught in the basilisk's gaze shudders and falls,
soft fur melting into brown earth.
The basilisk's wings stretch and flex.
It preens its feathers, unconcerned
with the terror that ripples and moves, wave-like,
through the churchyard,
biting into the skins of small creatures
that now must hide or die.
Author notes
I researched the mythology of basilisks while writing this poem and incorporated some of the most interesting "facts" about this ancient beast. This is a selection from my dark poetry collection, "Tales From the Forbidden Forest".
In a list
Comments and further information about basilisks welcome!
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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So totally descriptive and emersive. I wouldn't know where to start if I tried to write this! Wonderful.
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Re: The Hatchling
Narrative poetry (basically, a short-short-short story in a poetic form) is indeed a challenge, but a fun one. I admit to having worked many hours on this one to mold it into a narrative that I felt good about posting.
Although "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" gave me the initial inspiration for this poem, I spent a good deal of additional time researching the medieval mythology of basilisks in order to work in those elements. J.K. Rowling incorporated two of the established myths into Book 2: the basilisk's stare having the power to kill anyone or anything looking into its eyes, and spiders running away from its presence, which they can sense.
Thank you for your comments!
MoonLady
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Another great fantasy a snippet of the surreal.
Happy trails -
Excellent
Great Stuff...
I really liked how you brought this creature to life, my favorite part has to be...
The hatchling emerges, scorching the grass beneath,
its middle raised high, expanding wings specked with
yellow, blue, red, green.
YEAH... That was great definitely brought the images flashing to my eyes!!
All the best,
~T.S~
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Nice imagery I really enjoyed this poem. Nice mythical aspect too. Good job and keep on writing.
Have a nice day
-Trueheart -
Great use of mythical terms and images. Has a narrative/legendary approach and style. Good flow. Nice sequences. The movement supplied by various creatures gives this poem added dimension.
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amazing
i love the wording and the fact that you researched the topic... this is a very amazing write and an altogether wonderful poem in general.... my favourite line is "the basilisk's wings stretch and flex. It preens its feathers, unconcerned.... Amazing.. you have a great talent for words... and just one a side note.. d oyou happen to be a Harry Potter fan?? I am and there are a few parts that scream harry potter
... well thank you for sharing this wonderful peice and keep writing..
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This is a really good contest and a really great entry.
The hatchling emerges, scorching the grass beneath,
its middle raised high, expanding wings specked with
yellow, blue, red, green.
Spiders flee, burrowing beneath the crackling, dry leaves.
As a blast of deadly breath strikes it,
a tombstone collapses to dust.
A rabbit caught in the basilisk's gaze shudders and falls,
soft fur melting into brown earth.
All the best !!!
Hope to read more of your work!!! -
Completely intriguing. What a wonderful tale, with fantastic imagery. Thanks so much for sharing this magickal piece. Love and peace, Charlene.
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WOW! really strong! I loved reading this piece. You chose a really nice picture to go with the poem as well! Great write! Keep on penning!
-Steve- -
through the churchyard,
biting into the skins of small creatures
that now must hide or die.
Well you made me spellbound with
the unique poetry along a unique content as well...
This is a strong write representing the strong feelings of yours muse and the intention too is very solid behind the motive of the write... a deep verse
revealing the truth of your soul and touching the depth of this philosphy of the subject chosen for the verse....well done.. -
lovely imagery This is a very interesting piece
this is my favorite stanza
Moving forward, a huge snake mimics the dance of lights,
its reptilian body crawling over the crumbling faces etched on tombstones.
Winding itself around the spherical egg,
the snake covers it with a blanket of lustrous scales.
Pulsations press and squeeze.
Overhead, Sirius, the Dog Star, throbs.
The egg splits.
I enjoyed the write keep up the good work
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This is very interesting I love the imagery that this poem gives the reader, favorite part was the last six lines , the description of the terror was outstanding
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Your muse was certainly very kind to its "user" on the day this was written. Thank you for sharing and best wishes to you. Keep that pen handy dear poet. ~Midnight Lace
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This is an interesting tale spun with magical imagery and smooth flow. You have related the information you have in such an entertaining way. Thank you for sharing.
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Forbidden dreams. This is a really good contest and a really great entry. I hope you win. This is excellent. Painted me a picture vivid.
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This was a very interesting piece. It flowed very well.
I agree with the last comment,the imagery does hit home with its sheer power. I liked the lines "Moving forward, a huge snake mimics the dance of lights,
its reptilian body crawling over the crumbling faces etched on tombstones"
All and all an enjoyabe read.
Well done and keep up the good writing. -
Gosh! I wish I could write like this. The imagery is startling and hits home with its sheer power. I don't think I can stand much more. Thanks for this read
Warm thoughts from Donald
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