(94) The Wicked

This is a Boustrophedon poem where the second line is written in reverse, not too easy to do. Featuring in the I Challenge You group.

The wicked never rest
Tset eht ssap yeht fi
For they scream this night
Thgis morf edih yeht dna
They come to close your eyes
Seirc rieht era esruc a
They come for you, be assured
Drawer ruoy eb llahs htaed rof
The wicked will come at last
Tsac eb lliw lleps rieht dna
You can not run if you try
Eid si od won nac uoy lla

copyright Chris Smith 2009

Reviews

[V.B.]

I am a little bit buzzed, and I took way too long to realize you were typing backwards. Sat here for a good minute like, "Wtf is this s**t, Chris?"

I've never seen anything quite like that. It has a clear flow, but you can't catch it the first time through because you have to translate.

The poem itself is a lot of fun -- I think tackling such dark subject matter works to your advantage here, because it makes the reversals seem like the voice of a demon speaking in tongues.

[Eric Cox]

Nice pen on this. Hope you did well in the "I Challenge You Group".

[realmwriter]

This has got to be the most fun I've ever had trying to read a poem. I love the mixed and backward lines. It took me just a sec to figure out it wasn't just garble! Amazing conveyance, and wonderfull use of sentance and word structure! Love It!

[Coyote Poetry]

A very interesting set-up of this poem. I like the short story in the words. A excellent poem.
Coyote

[emmajoy]

Oh my, that takes some reading, but is so well done. May I ask why this form exists tho because your reversed lines are quite lovely but to me are overshadowed by the task of working out their words!

One learns every day . :)

[Ashley]

i had to read this several times before i became familiar with the flow...but it was truly a pleasure to read. i have to agree with rose that the topic and the torment mentally were wonderfully paired. an exceptional write.

[.]

difficult to read too..but take the time and it's an interesting and unique poem

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

A true test of reading skill - nicely spun tale. Best of luck in the competition!
Light,
Siddartha

[Poeticadia]

A bleak message encypted in reverse lines that really bring out the sinister nature of the verse. Very effective and fun to read!

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Chris this was great! I couldn't do this type of poem if i tried!