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Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2011-11-19 05:45 PM

The Pass

And so the boy approached the bridge,
Impervious the tales.
In sight, that celebrated ridge,
Across the Valley of Veils;
While wispy hands reached from the fog
Aswirl ‘the regions below,
In hopes to lure him to the bog –
To share of their plight and woe.

Still, he revealed no emotion,
Instead, held a steady course…
Eyes glued ahead, a devotion
Equaled only by remorse;
When the tendrils, nearing their mark,
Shrank back and the night wailed.
And still he marched unto a dark
Destiny uncurtailed.

The sky lay black, as not a star
Dared to offer its light.
With hand to chest, he touched the scar,
Yet driven on by the blight.
The Palace of Poetry ahead –
A peace for his starved soul…
From the very shadow of dread
Stepped the menacing troll.

The boy looked up to hideous
Features, for him displayed.
Face – anger froze, insidious,
Eyes professing peace betrayed.
The boy had naught to offer him,
In hopes that he could pass,
So, merely began to sing a hymn
Written for his lost lass

He poured his heart, he poured his soul
Alas, into each word.
Upon the bridge with no way to pay toll,
Only praying somehow she heard.
He sang until his heart fell out,
And his eyes watered and cried.
When done, raised eyes to look about
To find the troll mollified.

The boy edged forward a step and
The troll then tilted his head,
But then held up a massive hand –
Intention not to be misread.
The boy stood, frozen, looking on,
And the troll began to sing.
Understanding only emotion drawn,
The boy stood tranquil, listening.

All the loneliness, all the pain
Of a life none would call good.
All chances to reach out but vain
Attempts, misunderstood.
The boy looked the troll in the eye,
And ached with the shared sorrow…
Promised if he’d just let him by,
He would return the morrow.

Surprised that the troll stepped aside,
The boy then made his way.
Then, true to word, from the other side,
He returned the next day.
The boy, the troll, they sang, they shared
And daily wove new tales.
As the echoes rolled to all, none spared,
On down the Valley of Veils.

The stars began to light the sky,
And the wispy hands retreated;
Sunshine proving to be a lie
That it would kill the troll it greeted.
Comfort found in a strange place,
The boy felt he found a friend.
Until one day, with lifted mace,
The troll brought it a swift end.

For the troll had shared a softer side –
Dared to sing of love and desire,
And the smiling boy teasingly replied,
Which drew forth the fiend’s ire.
The head fell to the mire beyond,
As the troll heaved a grave wail;
With misty fingers eager to respond –
Once more, the bridge, assail.

Now the troll attacks anyone
Who even comes near the clearing.
The past never to be undone,
Tomorrow, its ugly head rearing.
Where darkness binds him day and night,
To a his bridge forever haunted,
By the only soul to hold him in sight,
Yet look on him undaunted.

Still, in the Palace of Poetry
There’s jubilant rejoicing,
Where the boy left his legacy,
Among the many others voicing
Their love, their songs, their tears, their joy,
Their sadness and their laughter,
Which to the troll but resounds of a boy
That will haunt him ever after.

Michael R. Anderson

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

1 posted 2011-11-19 06:10 PM

A haunting tale, Michael!

There is so much depth here to ponder!

Excellent write.

Margherita

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

2 posted 2011-11-19 08:10 PM

A story woven in mystery and intrigue, and a happy plot and ending, and haunting end for the troll. Very enjoyable reading.

"Which to the troll but resounds of a boy
That will haunt him ever after."

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

3 posted 2011-11-21 12:45 PM

There are times when words mesmerize me to the point where I don't even realize I'm holding my breath until my lungs scream in protest! I'm huffing and puffing now because respiration took a back seat to reading this fantastic poem! LOL The master of rhyme is also a storyteller extraordinaire... I loved every line!! *S*

Paul Wilson

Member Elite

since 2002-07-07

Posts 4711
United States

4 posted 2011-11-21 01:22 PM

Michael...Great story. Intriguing poem...Paul

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

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