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Unholy Shrine

His black eyes
peer to the blinding sun,
and with just a thought,
ravens freeze in flight,
like taxidermied ornaments,
waiting to be removed
from their very existence.

Timed with the quarter moon,
the season of the witch
is gathering her raging lust,
for the well hung
wandering warlocks.

People look at him
and turn away,
or turn to stone.

He has never stood so tall,
as when he bent
to help the child,
who cut him down,
and ripped out his heart
to give to you.


Staggering with devils
down the fire lane,
he sees Gabriel,
who snaps off their horns,
to blow the sound of a song,
he stole from them
so many life times ago.

Frightened animals
sense his presence.

Shades are drawn,
as his footsteps walk
towards the unholy shrine.

Where black cats urinate
on the bleeding victims
they walked in front of.

Broken mirrors lie against
the upright leaning ladder,
where as a child,
he took his first steps,
beneath it's rungs.




 



 

Author notes

Possession is
nine tenths
of the law,
when it is
you that
is possessed
or superstitious.


A contest entry

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
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    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

1 - 88 of 88

  • Jacob S. Steadman
    November 5
    ?
    Edit | Reply
    Deep, dark and dangerous. Lowell Poe on top form here i think.


  • Raining Kisses silver member
    October 20
    Edit | Reply
    oooh this is scaaaary and very clever nice write
    T


  • glenn shannon silver member
    October 4

    Edit | Reply
    i remeber this from scare your pants off comp it was way powerful hence it stayed in my mind so cool addition to this comp brilliant indeed


  • AtushaAvarus gold member
    September 4

    Edit | Reply

    Magnificent write!!!!!

    Staggering with devils
    down the fire lane,
    he sees Gabriel,
    who snaps off their horns,
    to blow the sound of a song,
    he stole from them
    so many life times ago."

    This was amazing!!! Absolutely loved it!!!!


  • nehematala
    August 24
    Edit | Reply
    wonderful poem Thanks for entering


  • sinfull
    August 20

    Edit | Reply

    The Walking Man

    This chilly verse would fit so well for a book I read once. Omnipotence flows from your description and you use very visual phrases to support the main character. The title suits the content and I'm left wanting to know more. (hey you can write a follow up on dude) Very nice write!


  • Xxcant runxX
    August 20

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    omg wow i loved it you gave me chills LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  • still.she.waits
    August 13
    Edit | Reply
    chills are runnin' down my arms with this one.


  • Scar Symphony
    August 4

    Edit | Reply
    Amazing, this caught me right at the beginning..

    His black eyes
    peer to the blinding sun,
    and with just a thought,
    ravens freeze in flight


    awesome way to begin a poem, and this one was mind-blowing all the way through, i am proud to see that we have such true masters of emotion and imagery on this site....i apprecita this work...keep it up


  • Shibboleth
    July 15

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    Impressed

    This is well woven and I love how you tie in superstitious elements throughout the poem. They are so subtle I almost didn't catch them at first. Great job!! I especially love the line "like taxidermied ornaments." Very unique.
    I'm impressed!

  • Frightening

    Awesome poem soooo chilling I love it so many parts that shrieked me
    Good luck in the contest.

  • *hides under covers*
    And cries like a baby.
    This was scary! it gaave me cold chills for sure!

  • very scary indeed changed my undies and had to stand in front of the heater to take the chill away well done thanks for entering good luck

  • since you already have this broken up into two parts I think I will stick with that. I like to comment as I read so here we go...

    Part 1:

    wow dark fantasy and medaphoric as well I do believe. I think that this is awe inspiring so far. It flows amazing, and it has a very intriguing tale.

    Part 2:


    Huh that was unusual ideed. I loved this I am going to add it to the finalist list thanks for entering.


  • Miss Macabre
    June 30

    Edit | Reply
    I do get a bit of a zombie vibe from this one. This is a dark poem, sorrowful in it's own way. Thanks for entering and good luck.

  • I am imagining something very dark.. very evil.. but its not evil.. its only perspective somehow..and he came from a broken mirror? Did I get that right?

  • your words are weapons

    this is great
    visually and vocab is great
    my favorite line
    "Staggering with devils
    down the fire lane,
    he sees Gabriel,
    who snaps off their horns,
    to blow the sound of a song,
    he stole from them
    so many life times ago."
    it's just the calmness this poem is written in
    which gives me the chills
    start write comics or a dark book I'll buy a thousand copy's

  • Very good write.
    Reminds me of old school vampire stories.


  • Maili Knephthan gold member
    February 23

    Edit | Reply
    I can see how you this write goes with the picture and while it is a strong write it isn't exactly what I am looking for. I did enjoy it very much Thank you for entering my contest and sharing.


  • Rose Angel gold member
    February 15

    Edit | Reply
    A visit to the dark side of an ominous world, where few would dare tread here....You have penned work here deserving of a gold trophy....You have done well! Your vocabulary, and imagery are excellent!


  • Tirrell
    February 7

    Edit | Reply
    I love this.
    The drifting dramatic sweep of words, each and every word counts. This is staggering, and this is art. Beautiful, free verse that flows so effortlessly
    poetry that speaks to the endless corridor of time.
    Peace my brother, this is fine work.
    You are a poet, first and always.


  • brokenangel78
    February 4

    Edit | Reply
    OOOhhhh very dark, i likes a lot, especially (where black cats urinate on the bleeding victims) great imagery, and congrats on the contest. xx


  • hearts blossoms
    February 2

    Edit | Reply
    what an intruiging read, it was dark almost sadistic a story with tales and underlying tones not yet told, the use of words and the imagery were very good descriptive though not to much, the essence of it there though it gave me the feeling of it not all being quite told
    " waiting to be removed
    from their very existance"
    this first stanza spelt out for me the self loathin this man had for himself
    "timed with the quater moon"
    very clever word play in the second stanza bringing into this a dark force of witchery and demons, but then the third and fourth gave me a feeling iof great sorrow and lonliness for this soul that for whatever reason had become this unlookable being
    a brilliant dark write
    very good read for me

    abigail
    was
    heart on sleeve


  • nichtmich silver member
    December 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    O.K., this is just plain good. The imagery and glimpse into 'his' past don't tell, they show! Thank you for your entry.


  • spirit rising
    December 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    very eerie and i really like the first stanza, the imagery i got was fantastic, this is the kind of poem that gives me the shivers lol,


  • upperworld06
    November 10, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    amazing word choice in this, good job and good luck


  • Handcuffs of Love
    November 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Very good.It was dark. I liked it very much.


  • alandriel1138
    November 5, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this is great. I haven't been much into dark writes lately but this is captivating. The first two lines and a few more lines remind me of a series of books I've read called the Sword of Truth series. Anyway this is another good piece by you. Creepy and malicious.

  • kavenway
    November 1, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I like your poem, Its a little different from what I ususally read but I like it.


  • movedon
    October 31, 2008

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    First two lines were my favorite. All of these contest entries and you didn't win a single one?! That hardly seems fair. I believe this one is..stunning. Once again, well penned.

    ing alone,
    Mylee


  • XxGoldenxXDawnxX
    October 31, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Well done - you spooked me. Thanks for your entry and happy Samhain!


  • Carpe Noctem
    October 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    A very different, creepy write. I loved the inclusion of all the superstitions. As one who has never felt superstitious of anything in life, I find that superstitions and people who are superstitious are very intriguing. Thanks for entering, and best of luck!


  • Dragonbabyx3
    October 23, 2008

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    wow.... My favorite was the ending, the beginning of the end rather. Beautiful story, Wonderful write!


  • September Daydreams
    October 23, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Beautiful ,dark and full of emotions.Thrilling piece...
    Keep it up!

  • Raining Kisses silver member
    October 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    deep

    how very deep this write sings out from the bowells of the earth its imagry is so stark and soul freezing, makes me want to run to church right now and pray for the safety of my own soul this is a stunning write godbless theresa


  • Rheea gold member
    October 9, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    ok you creeped me ouuuuuuuuuuut =)


  • MichaelLeeSmyth
    September 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Took reading this a couple of times to get it, if indeed I do. I really like the use of,"taxidermied ornaments", how many of our own possessions fit that bill? To put an existence or perhaps, material form to superstition puts a unique perspective on it. I would ask when exactly is "the season of the witch"? Seems to fall whenever misfortune strikes. I like the way this shows that the simple act of belief in a set pattern of outcome can help that outcome set forth.
    Another fine write.


  • logorrhoea
    September 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I always admire your writes. Calm smooth, yet also overflowing with very vivid dark conceptual thought. Calm complexity. I love the use of mythology in this and can't single out my favourite lines, it all works well, indeed. Another natural beauty.
    Gemma



  • Harlequin Dance
    September 19, 2008
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    I like this! It's darkly superstitious and the imagery is very effective. Nicely done


  • Mrs. Serial Killa
    September 17, 2008

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    Very nice! i like the dark feel it has to it and great concept. Thanks for entering my contest and GOOD LUCK!!


  • TabbyCat
    September 8, 2008

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    Wow...this is freaky! All these superstitions packed into such an effortlessly-flowing piece...so dark, it made my skin crawl. Such vivid and grotesque imagery, it gave me goosebumps.

    The author's notes were very appropraite, clearing up your feelings on the subject and giving a new dimension to my understanding of this poem.

    I liked the feeling of dread that you built from the beginning to climax at the approach of the accursed one...and then the touch of humanity you gave him at the end by giving us an insight into his beginning.

    "with just a thought,
    ravens freeze in flight
    like taxidermied ornaments."


    Wow. My favorite line for sure.


  • humblpye gold member
    September 4, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    I think that's brilliant...!

    very clever piece of work, and i agree absolutely we make up our own demons as we go along, attatch them to superstitions passed down, and before you know it, you're hooked on your own fabricated bullshit... it comes true for you, it's like "we are what we eat, likewise we are what we think", I got demons, i made em' up for sure, only I don't call them demons, they're poetic metaphor, makes for some good poetry Lol, when you have a gap, take a look at my "Run no more" cheers brother! take it easy with that bus! Lol just kidding!


  • Violent Messiah
    August 29, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I liked the imagery that you've throughout the piece. Awesome vocabulary. Great job!

  • Topnotchsy
    August 28, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Nice imagery. Interesting piece. Best of luck in all the contests, and congrats on the past trophies for this piece!!


  • BabyBun silver member
    August 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Great entry - thanks and best of luck.


  • aanika
    August 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    He has never stood so tall,
    as when he bent
    to help the child,
    who cut him down,
    and ripped out his heart
    to give to you.

    --wow. that made my mouth fall open. lol, it was amazing.


  • sassykitty
    August 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Usual vivid and effective descriptive detail here and I really liked 'taxidermied ornaments' that's such an original image. Also thought you used the cultural references very appropriately throughout. Very original, hope it does well in all its contests. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.


  • peregrin
    August 8, 2008
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    Very good work!
    I like the piece,
    Good luck!!!


  • trekkergirl
    August 1, 2008

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    oh interesting indeed. Like the thoughts of myths that you put in here. Good write. Good read. Thanks for sharing.


  • Age of Rain
    July 31, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    it has won bronze and cannot place. this was good too...


  • Arrianna MacEwan
    July 30, 2008

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    "ravens freeze in flight,
    like taxidermied ornaments"

    thats awesome!!!!

    great write


  • Uniquely-Scarred
    July 27, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I LIKE YOUR STYLE, HOWEVER MY FRIEND THIS CONFUSED ME


  • Melodies
    July 27, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    YIKES! Makes me want to write a graveyard poem, which is as dark as I ever get. Good story here and I like stories in poems very very much.


  • XxGoldenxXDawnxX
    July 25, 2008
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    Very dark - appropriate for the contest. I got really into this one, kept me interested all the way through.


  • Susan John Francis
    July 23, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    hi their
    Nice one , different yeah .


  • The Otep
    July 23, 2008

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    Just for the fun of it, I am going to comment on this poem again! I love this one! It is really mysterious, with great image and portraying character! G


  • Florida Sunshine
    July 19, 2008

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    Scary write -- intense in its own sense. I am a big fan of Anne Rice books-- This write reminds me so, of her work. The imagery is well done, and I enjoyed the read.

    Thanks for entering the 5 option contest -- I do appreciate you sharing your work with me,

    Best of luck to you,
    Florida Sunshine


  • Terry Collett
    July 18, 2008

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    Good use of words and imagery.

    The theme is not usually my kind but you made it for me this time and the way you composed this was impressive.


  • Shipwreck
    July 18, 2008

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    You have a very unique poetic ability, the imagery was fantastic and unusual. Was very fresh. All the best in the contest


  • mystic-angel gold member
    July 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for your entry good luck in the contest.


  • Walls-within
    July 16, 2008

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    This has ver good imagery, I enjoy the style, It really is dfferent. Goo luck in your contests.
    ~W.W~


  • EternitysLastWish
    July 16, 2008

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    This is one step beyond. So different from your usual style, but I more than dig it! It really takes you on a trip. This is what differentiates you from everyone else; your outstanding ability to not only express a message, but to take people from their seats and throw them into a completely different world from what they're used to - in all honesty, I felt quite disorientated after I read this piece. But that's good. That's ultimate power. I mean... you can write a piece of poetry. But can you turn it into real flesh and blood? Evidently, you are one individual who can, and the effects are spellbinding.
    I love the references to superstition in this piece. Not only does it have the potential to change the way someone thinks forever, but it begs the question; does the class system, or the political authorities really rule us? Or does superstition govern our lives? In a person who is vulnerable to it, can their life become enveloped by paranoia and fear of the (possibly) unknown?

    A fantastic piece with great descriptions.

    Jess


  • WhatsErName
    July 16, 2008

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    Breathtaking is the only word I can think of. One of the best, most unique writes I have encountered (AP or not). It has left me...amazed


  • Sketchin
    July 15, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Wow..that's one of the best i've read ever....good write.
    thank you for entering and good luck.


  • wave picture frame
    July 14, 2008

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    exciting art.

    you know it's funny how poets find each other on this site, and lately i've found myself hanging out in a circle of poets i've been looking for for a long time. a "circle" i wasn't even previously sure was there. it used to be all the same mindless teen angst cliche bullshit that 90% of this site is unfortunately compiled of. but THIS kind of stuff. YES. THIS is where i want to be. You are the kind of poet i want to be friends with on this site. it's just been so great for me lately to bump into all of these people at once. i knew you were all out there. lol. sorry rambling over, back to the poem. this clearly has a breakthrough realisation in every stanza. and it takes me everywhere. it's a real trip. i admit i'm often the kind of person who thinks they know everything, but this left me thinking. YES!


  • Bean Sidhe silver member
    July 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    So much of this is amazing in a terrifying manner. I am interested in all things occult and superstitious and this poem speaks to me on a very base level.

    "ravens freeze in flight,
    like taxidermied ornaments,
    waiting to be removed
    from their very existence."

    This stanza makes me shudder. Taxidermy has always been a freaky subject for me but "freezing in flight" and "waiting to be removed" lend powerful imagery here.

    "the season of the witch
    is gathering her raging lust,
    for the well hung
    wandering warlocks."

    Beautiful. I don't know what else to offer here.

    But by far and away, the stanza that I am still recovering from is:

    "Staggering with devils
    down the fire lane,
    he sees Gabriel,
    who snaps off their horns,
    to blow the sound of a song,
    he stole from them
    so many life times ago."

    Ugh. This is painful it's so good. I'm envious that I didn't write it! Such a wonderful work that I am tempted to repeat myself & say that if this is madness, then I aspire to join you for I see only magic. Thank you for drawing special attention to this one. It's perfection in black and white.




  • Whispering Wind Moderators member
    July 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    to show ones worth to know ones place...to be made whole are torn apart by the human race...possessed are just superstitious...wow! i do love how your mind works you rock my bro

  • The Otep
    July 12, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    All I can say is that I am sitting in pure amazement and awe of such wonder and creativity of this poem! Beyond great, Master Poet


  • whos my humblepie
    July 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    for the well hung
    wandering warlocks.
    -yikes, I shall never try for any bit of those wands.

    Where black cats urinate
    on the bleeding victims
    they walked in front of.
    -very creative


  • Could I be
    July 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Awesomely Desolate

    It's heavily morbid yet optimistic at times (i.e. "He's never stood so tall, as when he bent to help the child). I like the accepted way this burdened man is explained in his curse. It gives me an images of damnation and strength at the same time! Maybe I read it wrong but I still think its great!


  • Sharon Lynn
    July 9, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    He has never stood so tall,
    as when he bent
    to help the child,
    who cut him down,
    and ripped out his heart
    to give to you.
    This drew me in although I'm not sure what the whole is suppossed to be...I'll come read it again. Great feel to it.


  • usually-untitled
    July 8, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    the idea and imagery are both fabulous. the only things that need fixing are:

    'Frightened animals
    senses his presence.' i think this would be 'sense' since the subject is plural, but perhaps it was intentional?

    'beneath it's rungs.' 'its' is the one used for inanimate posessive, according to generations of english teachers.

    brilliant poem!

  • JWGoethe
    July 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    the imagery is dark and delicious. Allusions abound in this, to superstition, to themes biblical in proportion, and yet frighteningly personal (at least to me) My unholy shrine is my own rampant arrogance, and the belief in my powers of reason, which are no more logical (or illogical, for that matter) than anyone elses. Bravo.


  • TheDemonEve
    July 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Well, I was going to comment that the first stanza was my favourite, my every stanza after that just blew me away even more.
    I would love to know where you got the inspiration for this. Most people who try their hand at poems about superstition just make the genre all the more cliche, but you've defined it.
    I would have to say what makes this piece are these stanzas:
    "Where black cats urinate
    on the bleeding victims
    they walked in front of.

    Broken mirrors lie against
    the upright leaning ladder,
    where as a child,
    he took his first steps,
    beneath it's rungs."
    BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  • kira1115
    July 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow I actually get what this poem is about! Thank you sunday school. XD I love the whole poem, it is very well penned and the word usage is extremely well.

  • karabi
    July 7, 2008

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    INTRIGUING

    'What oft was thought but never so well expressed' - this is what Pope told about poetising. But here is something so deep and moving - you feel it but find no suitable words or rhetorical device to express it. I feel the pains taken by the author in this piece to express the inexpressible. To some of the readers commenting on this poem it is baffling, it has got to be so.


  • ourgirlFriday
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    truly,

    I don't know what to make of it...but I'll send you a link to what I think it's developing into - the poetic form of a story line


  • Poetdontknowit
    July 6, 2008

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    HMMMMMMM

    A very descriptive write In the one line, did you actually mean presents, or the other? Not being rude by ANY means, but I don't have a clue what you are even penning about. Maybe I'm not supposed to! I do like, I think, the imagery, it's very Sawlike.
    POETDONTKNOWIT
    WRITING IT HER OWN WAY


  • PurpleAnarch
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    HAHA I was browsing the shameless, and I've already commented cause you're on my favorites,
    but I was drawn in by
    "FOR THE WELL HUNG"
    lol
    you get more of these.

  • luvdrkchocolate
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    lol I'm not sure what to make of it all. But it sure was fun to read. With all the parts about ravens and lusty witches looking for well hung wizards, it made me think of halloween and a hot night. I don't know. This is definitely one of those poems where I'm pretty sure I don't get what you're really trying to say. But either ways I thought it sure was fun to read.


  • AlwaysbeBIG
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    HOLY HELL!

    This was incredible! I agree with you, we certainly do think alike...But further, every single time you come with something new for me to read, I seriously can relate, and I do...There is no favorite stanza, you combine your "So much in so little" syndrome, with an amazing extended metaphor in darkness, but I will disagree with the kind lady who commented first, you have NOT OUTDONE YOURSELF. You are you, and you are SO capable of excellence, as you've shown us yet again.

    Breathtaking...
    "Staggering with devils
    down the fire lane,
    he sees Gabriel,
    who snaps off their horns,
    to blow the sound of a song,
    he stole from them
    so many life times ago."



    Congrats brother, this must have made you very proud after the first read. Keep up the great work Lowell, I'll be waiting for the next one, and now I'll take a page out of your book...

    "How will you top this?"



    Blessings brother,
    Brandon


  • Random Goldfish gold member
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Damn, this was a really dark poem. My spine actually shivered a little. Very superb!

    Síochán leat
    ~Mairéad~


  • Patpowers silver member
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    GOOD ONE LOWELL!

    Another intriguing work here Lowell! I liked this work for its descriptive content. You wrote another winner as far as I am concerned! WAY TO GO!


  • IrishGypsyRose silver member
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    WoW!

    I am forever amazed at all that I read from you "Frightened animals senses his presents" wow! That is a really intruiging line....and well hung warlocks even! Fantastic write again mr. Lowell Poe! I will continue to enjoy your work I am sure. ~gypsy~

  • PureCountry
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Well Brother,

    you paint with variations of blackness throughout. As usual your words leave the reader with many questions as well as thoughts to ponder.

    One crafted as only you can my friend.


  • PurpleAnarch
    July 6, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Bespeaking such dark power. I like that.


  • Creatress silver member
    July 6, 2008

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    poe you have out done yourself! I can't quite put my finger on why I loved it so. I think it is the over all tone of the piece.
    Beautiful as always,


    Creatress


  • Lotus-Mama
    July 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    WOAH BABY!

    WOW! This is amazing! Crazy Amazing!! I love that the ravens dont fall.... i cant stop reading it.... What images... This piece has such a pressence, I'm strangely torn between being aroused and afraid. The child who cut out my heart to give to you.... Liam... I think this is amazing! youve outdone yourself...

    The only way to go is up!





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