The Lesson of Death: Part Two (poem) by Sheila Roy on AuthorsDen

The Lesson of Death: Part Two
by Sheila Roy → (All Poetry by Sheila Roy)
Rated "PG13" by the Author.

Save

Death's gaze is not selective. He doesn't care what we look like or how old we are. That kind of power deserves respect. This is the last part of a poem I wrote a few years ago. One of many from my files. These poems were buried mostly because I didn't think they were that good. However, I enjoyed sharing the first one, and I was intrigued by the comments left. I'm very lucky to have support from all my friends here at the Den. Hugs and sincere thanks.

The Lessons of Death: Part Two Street urchins watch from the alley As opportunity smiles their way Too poor to pay the fee At the front door, They sneak through the back Which was left ajar by one Of their privileged friends With a finger raised to his lips, The suddenly popular young’un Ushers his friends through the door Securing space in the balcony, They press their grins against The banister and watch As the house lights go down And a curtain, bigger than they’ve Ever seen, draws open… Revealing thespians at play Dark imagery and a crooked plot Lead to death on the stage As the children watch, one actor dies Amidst a round of approval from the audience The urchins’ little voices drown In a cluster of “Hoo-rays!” from the crowd Their tiny hearts pump with excitement As the clever actor takes his last breath, Covered in gobs of fake blood A scene meant to evoke sadness Has the riffraff clutching their bellies And rolling in the aisles Death…is due respect It is sad… It is an ending… It is a beginning… It comes for everyone… Yet, the urchins laugh Death, camouflaged by the heavy, Burgundy, stage curtain peers up At the urchins and fixes each With a meaningful stare Until their laughter dies on their lips “I amuse you?” Death whispers To them in a preternatural voice, Meant only for the children’s ears They shake their heads, Shivering at the sound Of his voice as it inches Down their spines Again, Death speaks, “A misplaced chuckle may lead me directly to your door. Respect my work and live to see what your futures hold in store.” The curtain falls and the applause Is like the crackling of thunder The children, still shaken, solemnly Make their way out of the theater Careful not to draw attention They slip out the back door and Move into the alley All with thoughtful expressions Death, now cloaked by shadows In the alley, extends a hand to each child They refuse his touch and run out Into the street, his voice echoing In their little heads “Laugh at Death, but remember, I shall have the last laugh.” Sheila Roy - August 2006

Reviewed by Victoria's Poetry & Voices of Muse

Reviewed on May 30, 2009

I dwell in the darkled visions of your words capturing within ""The Lesson of Death: Part Two"
another Excellent Tale From The Dark Womb of Shadows Quickening
I Love Your Dark Poetry Shelia
Much Love & Continued Inspirations
Embraced~Embrass�
Vickie

Reviewed by Elizabeth Price

Reviewed on May 20, 2009

Goosebumps, shivers, awesome. Yes, no one gets out of here alive. Hugs. Liz

Reviewed by Elizabeth Russo

Reviewed on May 12, 2009

Gave me goosebumps Sheila, but its depth of visuals is so very strong and powerful. It will come to get us, one and all, there is no escaping it. A very intriguing and clever piece of writing, my friend...well done! ~Hugs, Elizabeth

Reviewed by Dawn Anderson

Reviewed on May 10, 2009

Sheila, not only is this good, it's chilling and creative!

Reviewed by Jon Willey

Reviewed on May 9, 2009

terrific theatrics and a chilling story -- stark and foreboding details -- peace and love -- Jon Michael

Reviewed by John Flanagan

Sheila,
Chilling, especially since innocence is so heavily involved, dramatic and highly imaginative, the sustained theatre image perfect for the theme and that creepy alley, dark and foreboding. Fine work.
John

Reviewed by Felix Perry

Shiela how you could ever think this wasn't good is beyond me, as a lover of Steven King I can see not only a short story but even a novel or series taking off from this one. It gripped the heart with cold fear and left the reader wanting more. Loved it Shiela...more soon I hope.

hugs
fee

Reviewed by Jeanette Cooper

Wow! An interesting story-poem, and that last line couldn't be a more profound ending. Well done, Shelia.

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Your verses gave me shivers, Sheila. Very effective, stark, and dark. Thank you for sharing. Love and hugs and best wishes,

Regis

Reviewed by Phyllis Jean Green

M a r v e l o u s !