Residual, from the corner of the eye,
Almost-not-quite he waits,
Nodding stark, secret visions,
Dreams-becoming-nightmares for
All but him. Boots, striding miles,
Leave no trace but blood and fear,
Loss and desperation.
Foiled once and once again, he waits,
Loathe to grant that peace and love
And justice might prevail. Dark, he
Glances forward to convolute designs,
Grimaces sly welcome to profoundest night.
Author notes
The Dark Man, aka the Walking Dude, Randall Flagg, and other 'R.F.' names, appears in a number of Stephen King's novels, including THE STAND and THE EYES OF THE DRAGON.
A contest entry
- Winklings # 179 ~ For Winklings and Friends from AP ~ Characters from Fiction by Lyndon.
1750 points, ended May 27, 8 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
-
Unfortunately this was totally lost on me and I have never heard of any of these characters, mainly because I have never read a Stephen King book and intend to keep it that way.
-
Truly a stunning acrostic....
I haven't read any of Stephen King's novels, but I just recently watched THE GREEN MILE, so this makes me want to dig into his novels. It's been far too long since I've been able to read your work, Micol. My last computer crashed, and I finally got another one six months ago. Congratulations, not just on the gold for this, but on all of your published works! I read through your profile. When I first joined up with AP, you helped me tremendously to grow as a poet, so I thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for poetry with others here. It's such an inspiration, and not just to novice poets like myself.
Don
-
-
Thank you for your comments on the poem and your gracious response to my poetry. I hope you do try King and find something there to interest you. And if I can ever help you with your writing, just let me know.
Micol
-
-
I'm not very keen on free verse, but I'm sure this is good. It sounds like something that is good. Once, a while ago, Amera told me you were something. A compliment. I don't remember. Stephen King editor, publisher and all round poet champ? I think it was Micol she said, anyway.
I'll hunt for something that rhymes and hope my net returns heavy.
-
I have never seen this form used with such mastery.
A brilliant summation of character within an acrostic.
As always, I'm impressed.
-
-
Thank you...and with any luck readers won't even notice the acrostic until after the 'real' message had penetrated. I appreciate your comment...made a dreary evening much brighter.
-
-
Interesting and captivating. strong piece, scarey, mysterious and intruging.
Well done, enjoyed it,
~ wendy -
-
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It gave an otherwise down day a distinct moment of pleasure.
-
-
Intriguing write ...
since I never thought I'd see a poem about Randall Flagg. The Stand is one of my favorite books, and one of the few that I like by Mr. King.
Anyway, the poem is spot on. Congratulations on the shiny trophy as well.
-
Stephen King is king of his genre.
Your "The Dark Man" is atmospherically spot on, I'd say. I enjoyed your suggestiveness and directness, both. A cool beginning; a chilling last line.
Compound words refreshingly used without being ostentatious. You have created, from your stalking character, a sense of one's own vulnerability in a few short lines of free verse.
Thank you. Lyndon of the Winklings.
-
Brilliant
You make the Stephen King character an intriguing one through this poem - even for those who haven't read much of him. A true achievement. I loved the dark images and the concept of danger around the corner. Congrats!
-
Never been a Stephen King fan ...
... but, I am a fan of this poem. Wonderful description and your signature nonce-words. :-)
-
This poem could have slipped right off one of his pages, an excellent description giving us just enough to let our imaginations do the rest. A glance, a grimace, working their magic.
-
-
Many thanks. It sounds as if you've read some of King's works. He's good at direct description, but even better at suggestion. Again, thanks.
-
-
His novels are almost too much to digest in the mind. I've read a few, but not lately. Lisey's Story was the last. The "long boy" was one of the most frightening images! There is no other writer to equal Stephen King with that sort of thing.
-
-
-
Intrigueing. Makes me want to read Stephen King. Good luck in this contest.
Paul
-
-
Thanks. He's worth a look. He's written enough that there is something for everyone.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 17 of 17
