I woke with a start.
Was that a bump?
It was pitch dark.
Who is that there?
Had to check up.
Put my robe on.
Quiet down the stair.
Open the back door.
Hair stands on end.
Am grabbed from behind.
What is going on?
Whisked off my feet.
Can't even call out.
Put into a boat.
And Charon he says:
"Coin in my hand."
Then opens my mouth.
I panic and squirm.
A tooth he extracts.
My gold capped one.
He examines it well.
So loosens his grip.
I'm over the side.
In the River Styx.
The river of death.
Swim to the shore.
Run back home fast.
In through the door.
Climb up the stairs.
Get into my bed.
Am asleep in a sec.
Dead to the world!
Wake soaked in sweat.
That wasn't a dream.
I have cheated death.
Just for a bit!
(Image by Cecil Keating for Penguin Classics "Satirical Sketches" by Lucian. 1961)
This poem now slightly amended was one of first I ever wrote back almost exactly 10 years ago to the day in 2009. The prompt fitted in nicely so thank you Sanaa.
Apparently the custom then was to have a silver coin placed in the mouth prior to burial
I liked that, a good story in a short space :)
ReplyDeleteI like the pace created in this short piece.
ReplyDeletesolidified
Wonderful imagery, it took me right with it!
ReplyDeleteVery poetic and hectic all at once. Good work.
ReplyDeleteWonderful. This is one of the best I've read. Thank you.
ReplyDeletewell done. I enjoyed this one a lot.
ReplyDeleteWonderful but a bit scary too. I would think death would not take too kindly to being cheated and would exact a price...
ReplyDeleteFor this prompt, your style of short sentences and questions heightened my senses. well-done.
ReplyDelete(Please note: my Google account link is not connected to a blog, so click here for my poem.)
Click here for my poem please
You have always been so proud of your gold tooth. Love the short fast sentences.
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