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Angels in Disguise Series 4 (The Final)

Missing image
by Gregg Rowe

I dream death
suffocating my body
as the last breath
gurgles from the
vortex depths of my throat
my eyes pop
a lasting image
of a cumulus sky

ambulance sirens
echo in my head
outside my bedroom window
silver moon shadows
hills of a churchyard
a hearse dims it headlights
reminding me of my destiny

awaken I shiver
from the wetness of perspiration
dripping down my body
like the devil's saliva
a wisp of wind
tickles the coldness of my fears

pain is my partner
my mentor in life
teaches me strength
shows up in my face
youthfulness has dimmed
within my irises
replaced by a light
shining knowledge

I have seen the underground
of the beauty of our world
gave myself permission
to explore its depths
have paid the price
for inexperienced choices
some in defiance
of society’s beliefs
had to swim with my inner self
trust in my morals
shake the hand of
consequences or else
I would have drowned

a celestial calendar
spins the seasons
my past is my future is my present
brings me closer
to each second
of my death



Author notes

This is the conclusion to the chapbook Angels in Disguise Series.  In no way do I claim it to be perfect or finished, it is my work of art that will always be evolving as I continue to journey this road.  There are only four parts to the book, what will evolve is the actual poems themselves. So if having read them and if you have any suggestions, please IM me.  They can be read separately or as a whole.  And I want to thank you for taking the time to even explore them.  Gregg

Here are the links to the rest of the chapbook:

Angels In Disguise Series 1
allpoetry.com/Poem/596193
             
Angels in Disguise Series 2
allpoetry.com/Poem/556818
             
Angels In Disguise Series 3
allpoetry.com/Poem/648603

Written December 16th, 2004

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Comments

1 - 22 of 22
  • pozo
    December 19, 2004
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    Wow, this is an amazing poem- I liked it a lot Great write, keep writing because this was fantastic, dark and excellently written, amazing
    Thanks for commenting on my poem, it was inspired by the banning of religion etc in schools I don't like the corruption of the church, but I think the lack of choice can ultimately lead to things like cults rather than appreciating God in a sensible and safe way
    Thanks for commenting on my poem
    All the best,
    Your friend,
    Pozo


  • lordoftherings gold member
    December 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Hugh: thank you for your comment on this final poem to my series. I think I meant that the body and construction of the poem itself is completed, I specifically want it in four parts to represent the dietyof the Catholic religion, depending on how I name the different acts within the chabook, for example I was thinkig of Part 1: In The Name of the Father, 2: And Thy Son; 3 And the Holy Ghost; 4 Amen because of the way it opens up with my father, two is more about myself, three a spiritual awakening and four the final. Yet, I have considered this before, that if I did finis the chapbook what would I do with future poems, and thought of either a future appendix, or publish them within the framework of another chapbook. Yet, I have been thinking that this should stand on its own in the originality that I penned it and if any furture pieces came about, just direct them through the poem to this. What do you think of these ideas?


  • December 17, 2004
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    Before I read this I went and read the other 3, didn't comment but I did read. This is an amazing series Gregg. You have done such a wonderful job. This one is great. It is truly a lovely close to them. I'm glad you can write about this and still sit there doing practically nothing but writing and still inspire us and teach us lessons through your words and through your life experiences put onto paper. Wonderful poem hun. Wonderful collection. (and of course I was totally rambling )

    ~~Jessica Erin


  • DefinitiveFreak silver member
    December 17, 2004
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    Death is a scary thing for me. I reckon I was close to it yesterday, flying home through a storm. But I’m glad you have gained strength through embracing your mortality. I wish I could do that. Maybe one day. Great job by the way. I’ve heard about your work here, I should really check it out. wanders off


  • HeavenonEarth
    December 17, 2004
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    Excellent!

    Powerful expressions full of detail in this write! Although I haven't had the honor of reading the others yet. I will! Everything flowed and kept you inticed in all of the despair!

  • rhcpfan
    December 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    oh this was beautiful, dark, and so beautiful


    "awaken I shiver
    from the wetness of perspiration
    dripping down my body
    like the devil's saliva
    a wisp of wind
    tickles the coldness of my fears"

    the devil's saliva was my favorite metaphor, but it was hard to choose, there were so many! keep up the excellent work!

    -Bri


  • angelica silver member
    December 17, 2004
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    Like Hugh said Gregg, don't change a word as it's from your heart, if you start fiddling with it you will spoil it, all you need is a few minor details fixed,

    Edited on Dec 17, 4:37 p.m. because ''.

  • DarkDream
    December 17, 2004
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    good!

    This poem seems to be unfinished in a way that I can't explain, but I do know that this is a good write...Is it me or is everybody trying to talk about death?...oh well this piece is very good ^_^ keep up the good work...

  • RainbowQueen
    December 17, 2004
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    Superb in every way!

    I MUST go back and read the others, then this one again. From reading just this one, I see the excellence of your pen

  • DaisyDayDreamz
    December 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    wow, this poem sent a shiver through my whole body, its brillant, you have a fantastic choice of words! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (8 DAYS TO GO!) Poppyx


  • ricochet rabbit
    December 17, 2004
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    9/10

    Creativity: Dark, foreboding, intense. It is as though I have made my way into a gothic cathedral in disrepair. 9/10

    Innovation: You have a unique voice that echoes from beyond the computer screen. 9/10

    Technique: Every word is calculated, and there is nothing wasted. You are precise like a surgeon, and you cut in the same way. 9/10

    Readability: My eyes were glued to the page, and I felt like I was witnessing a true artist at work. 9/10

    Emotionality: This packs more power than an angry Detroit Piston. 9/10


  • RagTagWanderer
    December 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Sometimes only death can bring redemption.


  • hugh wyles silver member
    December 17, 2004
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    Dear Gregg,
    As you are aware I can be very particular when it comes to form, meter and rhyme in poetry. This remarkable series which you have penned (the like of which could only have been created by one who has sufferred as you have) should be approached with great care however when it comes to any consideration of "polishing". Although some element of editing might result in improvement, these words, lines and sentences have been committed as they came from your psyche, from the acceptance of your fate and from the depth of your despair and these honest utterances could be impaired by any sophistication or polish.
    I do not suggest that you avoid editing altogether but I do urge you to temper touching the originality with caution.
    I also venture that it is temerous to regard this episode as the final in the cycle which, like your life, has only reached this point in time but which is not ended. I hope that a further episode will be added in, say, five years time when you will realise that "all has NOT been said" but that there will, by then, be more that you will wish and feel urged to say. And, progressively, thereafter.
    Gregg, all four episodes to date are individual testaments which constitute a unique document of a life to date of torment and
    struggle which you have surmounted where many would have drowned.
    There are few works on this site which so richly deserve applause.
    With best wishes for a happy Christmas and a much better New Year I remain, yours very sincerely, Hugh.

    Edited on Dec 17, 2:48 because 'typos all over the place.'.

  • a-crazed-hobo
    December 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Your use of metaphors to describe both the setting and mood is quite fantastic. You paint an errie picture with fluid, stylistic words that seem to clench the reader's very heart and soul. Yet another wonderful write; I'll have to read the previous three sometime.


  • lordoftherings gold member
    December 16, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Miykie: i hope that you would explore the series as a whole whenever you have a chance. If not, I want to thank you for stopping by and reading and commenting on this one, I can now finally breath easier since it completion. Gregg


  • lordoftherings gold member
    December 16, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    ~David~ I finsihed this in a bar this afternoon while my buddies were knocking back a few. Writing this whole series was an carthasis I had never experienced before. They were all written separately at different times in my life (actually Number 2 was the first in the series). Then they just pieced together, flowed as if at the time of the writing I just went back to where I had left off and time had lasped between the process. This afternoon, after writing notes and then the stanzas I just looked at it and said this was the end to the series. This would be the last poem. Not because I was tired, but I just had the feeling that all that could be said has been said. Now is the time for polishing, and you are right, it really needs the work especially part 2, but at least the foundation of the base has been started. Thank you for hanging in all these months waiting for the conclusion, with you and all my other AP poetry friends, you all enabled me to finish this project and to pen this journey, I could not have done this one alone without all your support. A group Winnie-the-Pooh to everyone. Gregg A standing Foster's beer piss off a high rock and may it hit the land of umbrellas with a resounding splash. You crack me up
    Edited on Dec 16, 11:45 p.m. because ''.


  • dp robertson
    December 16, 2004
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    This is actually a seminal work or will be after it is edited slightly. Not its structure but maybe some of the "the's" are wasted opportune to layer it with yet more image and atmosphere that already engulfs the reader. But let me say it is an extra ordinary work that reads like a short theatre piece. This is probably one of the best works of 2004 here at AP and one that takes the reader into a world few would visit and even fewer would want to but nonetheless should. You have to be a very accomplished writer to not only attempt this but to do so it such a brilliant manner. A standing Foster's beer piss off a high rock and may it hit the land of umbrellas with a resounding splash. What a great four part piece of art!

    David


  • angelica silver member
    December 16, 2004
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    I have read everyone of them several times, as I will this one when I come back to read the others. These are always going to be my favourites. Love them Gregg, Love you my Canadian

  • Kasheera
    December 16, 2004
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    Wow..I love your choice of words..and everything about this poem..it flows really well..! You are a great poet....keep up the amazing work!


  • Miykie
    December 16, 2004
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    Althought this is the first poem I read in this series...it seems that I am at a loss if I do not...This is a well penned, cerebal, yet emotional write that delves deep into passionate undercurrents without surfacing for air...A superlative write with an exceptional cadence! Thank you for sharing!


  • lordoftherings gold member
    December 16, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    ~Julie~ Thank you. I am glad that I could finish this chapbook before the New Year. As you know it started just before I entered the hospital and now I can go on and enter the New Year with a new perspective on life. It was a road that needed to be recorded.
    Edited on Dec 16, 10:32 p.m. because ''.


  • faggityann
    December 16, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    i loved every poem in the series, you are truly a fantastic writer, who has the amazing ability to take the more difficult aspects of his life and create art from it while simultaneously continuing to live.

    great work as always
    julie

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