"We are prepared for any evil,
Whatever terror passes our gates.
It is no match for our unity!"
That's what the mayor boasted one day.
"Our surrounding walls are fortified
So no ill deed or thought can seep through
And precautions are taken against
Those seeming to have mischief to brew."
So imagine our bewilderment
When a hooded stranger, wandering
Through a shady section of the realm,
Chuckled darkly before offering
A cryptic message to inhabitants
Of our proud and protected city.
He proclaimed, "Your efforts are in vain;
Evil's not daunted that easily.
This silly illusion won't prevail
When the embodiment of darkness
Tires of humoring its victims.
I'm sent to say that day's upon us."
With a curt nod and unnerving smirk,
The fellow continued on his way
As we heartily laughed off his words.
Evil upon us? There is no way!
Oh, how foolish we were...
How foolish we were...
Now the town is drenched in wailings
Of the poor people who decided
Darkness is not on their own doorsteps
And it was safe to venture outside.
Children's dolls lay scattered, abandoned,
And are distraught by the forced absence
Of their little playmates, and conclude
That the young ones won't be coming back.
This unmistakable impetus,
A single domino toppling,
Has set in motion a series of
Seemingly random events, popping
The sense of safety acquired by
More than a slight touch of arrogance
As well as being oblivious.
Yes, our downfall was our ignorance.
Author notes
This is option 9. It's a metaphor for people who believe that nothing bad is ever going to happen to them, and it's a huge shock when it finally does.
A contest entry
- Options Galore! You Chose the Prompt! by poet360.
1221 points, ended March 8, 30 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What do you guys think about this one?
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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i like it. luv lines 31-34.
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Your talent astounds me. I'm going to show your work to my daughter who is nearing 14 herself...
This poem clearly expresses, in an intelligent and powerful way, the foolishness of those who think they are invincible. -
I think you're really good - that's what. Great poem. Kept my interest throughout. (That's hard to do tee hee)
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Children's dolls lay scattered, abandoned,
And are distraught by the forced absence
Of their little playmates, and conclude
That the young ones won't be coming back.
love the whole thing but this stuck out to me for some reason
a great write and a better read.
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wow your poem really made me shudder! I think this is a very neat write. good job and good luck in the contest!
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