The Ruby Gem Maiden and the Prisoner

short story epic poetry, fantasy

Walking past the heavy cast iron bars

Of the outdoor prison, in the square

Where people were taken for reasons unknown

And locked behind the black iron bars there

A maiden felt her wrist taken hold

by a prisoner dressed in black and gold

The inmate was pretty, but worse for wear

She wore withered flowers in her hair

The maiden had never been near this dark place

But she saw great compassion in the prisoner's face

The worn woman held onto the young woman's  hand tight

and pulled her in close under the evening star light 

The sky was filled with seas of silvery  stars

The maiden saw the prison woman had deep painful scars

"Take this and listen to me"

Said the woman so sweet,

"This small velvet bag contains rubies to keep"

The maiden drew close to the woman to hear

Then secrets, she whispered, into her young ear...

"If by one the rubies glare

Be alert for the monster's stare

If by two or more they light

Avert  your gaze and take swift flight

If by eight or nine they should shine

There is no wasting time

Hide the gems and claim to be blind

The creature is already inside your mind

Only the stones of red can tell

When you are close to a creature of hell..."

She bade the maiden hide the gift in her dress

And run very fast without turning back

She said to keep running no matter the sounds

She might hear behind her....the creature was coming  'round

"Now run and run fast

 Heed well  what I say

Those rubies of red will save your young life one day

Stay on your path and do not get distracted

By anyone along who calls you sweet names

Hold fast to the red gems and keep them quite safe

Their light of the truth will save you

from shame and disgrace"

So the maiden held fast to the gems she kept hidden

And ran like the prisoner woman had bidden

She wanted to turn and look back if she dared

But the prison woman had forbade her to peek

The monster was coming and the woman knew all too well

What would happen to her if she looked

His blue eyes would meet hers

And his trance would be strong

And the rubies would  light up in vain

This monster was a powerful one

And the maiden would fall

For his charm and the song 

he would sing just for her

The prisoner watched the young maiden go straight

Along the path and away from the gate

Stuck behind black iron bars

The woman looked up at the moon and the stars

She couldn't get free, but her truth was outside

No bars could hold the rubies of red

The gems brought her hope

For the one she passed them to

Having fashioned them out of her blood

Over time and from terrible pain

The red stones lifted her name

Outside of the prison-master's walls

Then the screaming began

But the maiden never turned 

She knew she possessed the keys

in the form of the ruby stones

to shed light on the dark ones

In the small velvet bag that was hidden in her dress

And to turn and look at the creature

Would likely mean her death

If one gem would light, she would be very cautious

If two or more glimmered, she'd turn her back

If 8 or 9 burned bright, she would run through the night

Because those rubies of red were like red flags of light

Reviews

[-inactive now-]

I found it very engaging and it flowed brilliantly, nicely done :)

[PhoenixDown]

Ah ha! I dig. Great style and as others have mentioned, I love the dark backdrop that is created. And I love its subtlety. I have a feeling the image, which this piece formed in my mind will seep into some scenes I'll be working on for a fantasy-type novel I have been messing around with. I also love that coupling of words "The Ruby Gem Maiden." Unique and awesome.
Another "thing" I admire is the fact that you have created this lovely long epic-poem and have done so without fillers or action scenes. It is a mental build-up and psychological and "spooky" if I may say.
As far as the substance and gist/subject - fantastic perspective. You truly are an original and I say that sincerely.

[A hare off]

Such a fun and whimsical yet dark feeling poem this is. You did a marvelous job with this. What a grand story you have written. I really liked this.

[gentlekindness]

Thank you. I am so glad you liked it.
Nice for you to stop by :)
Annie