The Demon That Is Death

The presence felt alerts the senses strong,
An evil essence tightens tired nerves,
Disturbs the air and taints it with its wrong;
A man alone, no courage in reserves.

With weakened knees he falls to stone in fear
And cuddles cringing, shivering in despair.
Approaching feet is heard by one good ear.
He grabs his hilt in hope to find his dare.

Around his neck the crystal stone he wears
Illuminates the dark with warning light.
A wizard’s boon reminding him he cares,
He wants, he needs, he loves; to live is right!

He stands, he draws his sword, he takes a breath;
Then turns to fight the demon that is Death.


J. Abram Barneck.

Copyright © 2005 by Rhyous, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: 4 Jan 2003 12:35:40 -0700 .

Leave a Reply

Related Post

Garon, Alaina, and the Dragon Arkhas

A Prince, a Princess, and a Dragon Story 1 Note: 1st draft and unedited! In a different time and place, a time and place that has long since been forgotten, there was a Prince, there was a Princess,  and There Was A DRAGON! Who flew high in the sky with wings so wide that each one […]

Druid’s End

The bitterness defeats his feeble frame, A frame that magic no more can protect, For days have passed and strength is not the same; And what remains is fading intellect. His wrinkled skin distorts his energy, And magic leaves his hands in weak arrays; No more the master of his druid clergy, His focus lost […]

The Sentinel

A frozen Demon glaring from above So motionlessly patient during his watch So still he never greets with fear the dove But grants his rigid shoulders for its perch. The scar-cracked sculpture’s a looming host A stone sentinel cut from granite grey I never fail to notice his weathered post That gives security during the […]