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Open Poetry #28
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Magnus
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since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2003-09-19 08:33 PM


The battle had lasted 11 months.  Countless dead returning
on wagons like heaped wood awaiting the fires.  The
wounded staggering slowly homeward as an occasional
warrior would fall from the ranks, life ebbing away.

An endless stream of messengers reported hourly of the
carnage, the strength of their forces, the progress that
had been made or lost.  Fear in their eyes betraying the
worry that each held behind silent lips.

Pacing, the King showing his anger and his anxiety.
Hoping that some miracle might come from the
toils of his wizard.   Unsure of anything except
the certainty that there would be one victor and
one who would die gallantly to the last man.

The castle, empty for days of women and children.
Taken away under cover of darkness to a distant
cave.  Horrid conditions, this place where a dragon
had once lain.   Slain by the mighty sword of Karbar,
most feared Dragon Slayer of the realm....of the
earth.

The glow of raging fires seen in the night skies.
Momentarily blocking out the myriad of stars
that shone in the heavens.   A full Autumn moon
betraying the hiding places of those set to
ambush the reinforcements.   Eight thousand
men had marched gallantly away.....and to date,
half have returned slain or grievously wounded.

Will the war end before the embers grow cold?
Can warriors fight fiercely in spite of having
not rested for days?   Sleep did not come easy
in battle.  For horrid dreams consumed their
rest and many woke screaming hellish sounds.

Time becomes nigh for both.....For one would
carry away the flag of victory....and one shall
crawl away.....broken, bloodied and
homeless...scattering like scalded
dogs...

[This message has been edited by Magnus (09-19-2003 08:43 PM).]

© Copyright 2003 Barry J. Tackett - All Rights Reserved
MARK V SHELDON
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 3015
In a corporeal internship...
1 posted 2003-09-19 09:16 PM


You're a good storyteller, Barry, and had me picturing the tale with each description.  I can envision more installments...

-MVS

You CAN make a difference:
http://educate-yourself.org/

QjQ
Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756
U.S.A.
2 posted 2003-09-19 09:20 PM


fabuluos penning   Sir Poet,,,

                                    

angelblueyes
Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2148
Oklahoma
3 posted 2003-09-19 09:25 PM


I could see every vision you wrote.You my friend have a talent that surpasses many.
Crystal

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
4 posted 2003-09-19 09:59 PM



--and I can see you carrying the flag for the victors!

To the victors go the spoils of war!

You are quite a creative teller of stories!


Linda

catalinamoon
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone
5 posted 2003-09-20 05:24 PM


Amen to the previous comments.
Sandra

[This message has been edited by catalinamoon (09-20-2003 05:24 PM).]

Patricia
Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160
Missouri
6 posted 2003-09-20 06:04 PM


Barry,

I have been away for awhile...but I see you haven't lost your magic touch of pen.  So wonderful to read you again!

Patricia

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2003-09-20 06:35 PM



Wonderful prosy, Magnus.  You have the gift,
and stoke the fires well...

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