An Empty Hell

Over 100 years ago, Mark Twain asked, “Who prays for Satan?” 

And I wonder if in some hidden realm, Mark watched me during last summer’s downpour, sacrificing my voice and lungs, begging for a different outcome, or a release from my soul contract. 

I think he would’ve found his answer.

Me.

I’ve prayed for Satan, in one way or another, for 1,373 days.

While others abandoned and condemned, I prayed.

I hoped for him, cried for him, and if I wasn’t already gone, I would’ve die for him.

My hands weren’t pressed together and I was miles from a church pew, 

But I prayed.

In screams at the sky and on crystals and candles,

I sent wishes in tree roots and marked sigils on my own delicate skin

And I prayed for the same cards in every reading�"the devil and death.

Me and you. 

Satan lives in death’s warm home and welcoming embrace

What is the afterlife without it’s king? 

But I feel it now. 

As he moves through the living world, I’m missing a part of me.

Only the devil could cheat death. 

We’ve embodied this darkness together for so long,

But I know what he feeds on, what fuels him, what fills the void where his soul should be. 

It’s the one thing death could never offer him.

Life.

Reviews

[Lisasview]

First read of your and I did find it interesting.
I looked back to see what your response was to the two reviews you got and you have not responded yet.
I did this because I was hoping that the questions that Will asked had been answered.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts,
Lisa

[Salem Fitzgerald]

Hi Lisa. I answered the one that had questions hope this helps but can answer any others. I am happy there are a lot of interpretations of this one.

[Lisasview]

Oh you probably answered as I was writing to you... Did you read my poem Innocence.. I think you will like it.
Lisa

[Re-Pete]

hmm. profound. there is a stark honesty in your words. i feel the torment ... :)

[Salem Fitzgerald]

Thanks!~~~

[willweb]

A fast paced poem of thoughts to chew on a bit. I do have a question...1373 days? 3 and 3/4 years? A significant number? It does make you think about Satan or Lucifer or whatever you want to call him. I have seen and read many depictions of him or it and I still wonder...is he just a man, one who was placed in charge of hell because he did something wrong and he resent the action and now looks for revenge by gathering followers to turn them against he who did this to him or is he/it actually a demon who has no heart or the ability to care about life? Or is he a myth created so that little kids will eat their vegetables and go to bed on time? Hmmm. Still, a very cool poem. Nicely done.

[Salem Fitzgerald]

Thank you. It’s more that the devil is a metaphor for someone I knew because their astrological sign is depicted as the devil in tarot cards. I have been advocating or “in love” with this person in one way or another for 1,373 days when I wrote the poem. So significant to me but not necessarily for the reader. I don’t see the human I know as evil, and I guess I think the “actual” devil is probably mostly misunderstood. Just the ruler of the afterlife not necessarily someone who can fit into the black and white idea of good vs bad. I think if someone would have prayed for him, it maybe could’ve been different. Not prayed as in to god or a religious way, but was his advocate in some way.

[Salem Fitzgerald]

Also worth mentioning that the death card in tarot is also aligned with my astrological sign so this poem is told from the view of the devil and death as living people who are drawn to each other but maybe not the best for one another long term. Or maybe are destined to reunite idk.