Black Dogs

Black Dogs

Black dogs live within us.

Satan’s beasts strain at the leash,

Waiting for their chance to strike;

To devour human nature,

The human heart,

The spirit; the soul.

To swamp our consciousness

And overwhelm us in fear.

 

They stand across our path

When our faith is shaken,

Heads stooped, black eyes menacing;

Sensing an easy kill.

Striking terror,

Removing all hope

Of our own redemption;

Helpless we stand transfixed.

 

Yet are we just easy prey,

To stand subdued to fate?

When in our mortal being

Lays such an awesome power.

Seek out your strength,

Liberate your sword,

Release your Godly self,

And cast out those savage creatures.

 

3^rd April 2010

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

Good morning, John!

I enjoyed this metaphor-filled piece, with its deeply thoughtful message and admonishment to overcome one's evil nature through their inner strengths and belief in God.
Nicely composed and presented, with excellent word choices, skilled punctuation, spot-on line-breaks, and an easy to follow flow … a very good Free Verse effort.

Thank you most gratefully, John, for sharing! ⁓ Richard

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Coming from a technically skilled poet such as yourself Richard that is an accolade I appreciate. I am more of an instinctual writer with little technical knowledge. My son (James McFadyen and my Daughter (Fergie) are far more adept. Many thanks Richard.

[Richard🖌]

Thumbs-up, My Friend!

[sereenaoutloud]

such a strong powerful write...that constant battle within or even against those that wish us harm!! Great imagery especially the last stanza ..had me picturing Knights, swords drawn ready to do battle!!
Loved this!!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Sereena. Tis from my back catalogue and was stimulated by Ian McEwan's book of the same name.

[andrew mitchell]

Terrific write John! I've heard Led Zep black dogs song but not this version!! Poor jokes aside this is your trademark of impeccable strength and perfection:)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank ou so much Andrew.

[wordman]

john this write sounds familiar,you did a great job portraying your message
this could be about a troll

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It was prompted by the novel Black Dogs by Ian McEwan. Thanks Wordman.

[wordman]

it was my pleasure john,reminded me of our sissy troll

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A poignant piece that holds close to ones own image of what we await in this life, well done, good read.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Thomas

[Lyn Anderson]

This is a fascinating piece with excellent imagery and great flow. For some reason, Heads stooped has me somewhat flummoxed - it works but I am not sure about it, yet I cannot think up a good substitute - just putting the thought in your brain.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This was prompted by Ian McEwan's novel of the same name and the image of evil hounds. When dogs prepare for attack they stoop Their heads so as to make their throats less of a target. Many thanks KLG

[Dalia]

The struggle between one and himself, another great theme, and as usual you end up your poem in even a powerful style than the whole poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Dalia

[Emerald Seas]

Well written. The battle within constantly tugging between the inner forces of good and evil.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

thank you QSS

[creativequill]

the struggle between man and himself, always makes a good write :) we each battle with our demons everyday

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes true, some better than others. Many thanks.

[creativequill]

this is true, and I very much liked yours :)

[spiritwind]

This was a new topic! I like to see you branch out and challenge yourself. Those black dogs... there were dogs in myths... that track us down... and drag us to their Master.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

thank you SW