Dark

In the midst of the war, they exchange their vows.

Nuclear bombs erupt and deafen in their wake,

fire and smoke climbing to the heavens.

Polluted pretty colours streak the sky.

Buildings collapse. Thick black cloud envelopes the world

as they shudder from the sound, whispering “I do.”

 

While the ghost of an aborted baby possesses

the womb of a pining, childless mother.

The scan is empty, not even a miniscule trace

of life; but childless mother feels like violent kicks.

A phantom pregnancy. Phantom. The operative word.

 

A freshly widowed man holidays at a writing retreat.

He is locked in a white room, utterly empty and

windowless, while his wrinkles deepen.

There is no bulb, yet somehow, there is light.

In a hard chair with an aching back,

the old man faces a wall inscribed with,

“Imagine what it is like to be dead. Write.”

 

A distressed woman in a thin gown carries her new born.

She walks out into the cold, hiding behind the hospital walls.

Groaning in pain, she writhes as her eyes grow teeth and

feast on the flesh of the infant. Blood drips from her

shrill eyelids down her cheeks as she abandons the baby,

crawls to the shore and cradles a rock by the swallowing sea.

 

A teenager stumbles from the stinging rain into a dry,

warm Starbucks. The city wear gloves and high scarves

that cover their mouths. “A large type O negative please,”

she asks. Gazes dart to her as a new drink is mixed.

In exchange for money, she is handed a coffee cup

filled with bitter thick red that stains her canines.

 

Reviews

[Sreenath]

this takes me a ride through day today happenings around the world ... it feels as if there is no humanity left in this world they say it right " the world is ain't full of sunshine and rainbows " ... neatly penned enjoyed reading it :) peace keep smiling :)

[Sophie McN]

wow thank you! I really appreciate it :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[Beccy]

Dark indeed, but it paints an all too true picture of what lies just beneath thin veneer of civility. At present it is held at bay, but perhaps not for always.

Beccy.

[Sophie McN]

Very true, thank you!

[A. Amos]

Deep, dark and compelling...enjoyed the read.

[Sophie McN]

thank you!!

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome