Four Sonnets for Your Viewing Pleasure

22.
He begs and pleads
But I cannot fall prey to his deceit
He chokes and cries beneath the ball-gag
But I cannot allow him to sway me
This is why I was born
The cleansing
The redeeming of sinners; the redeeming of humanity
His eyes are begging me to cut him loose; spare him
A voice cries out: let him go.
Did that come from my head?
I reach for the blade, sharpened and gleaming from the surgical table
I shiver as the sound of its metal scrapes metal
“I will free you!” I cry.
I slice the blade through his throat and pray as I watch him die.

23.
He said the end couldn’t be more far from the means
He said the purpose of this talk is to come closer together
She reminded him they were a team
She wondered if he cared at all
They cornered each other in a room
Face to face on down feathered sofas
Cats between them
Dogs between them and stared into the distance
As far away as they could be
“Well what do you suggest?” he sang. He hoped that she would cry
“We’ve discussed this before, really?” secretly wishing that he would die.
The voices rang through walls so thin and penetrated my ears
I hate it when they scream and fight.
They think that no one hears.

24.
I’m growing tired of you
You glowing, mocking, haunting necessity
I use you in my minute to minute
Hour to hour
Day to day
I get everything and nothing done
I can’t keep up with the trends you roll through the feed on my screen
I can’t seem to avoid the topics that make my brain fry and eyes bleed
All I want is to delete every person who ever hurt me
But I don’t want to ….for reasons I’m not strong enough to admit
I remember a life not so innocent but simple
Private and unconcerned with the way others sought to decipher me
I miss the days of bikes and basketball AND school and the mall
Before technology ruined it all.

25.
“You asked me here, now what do you want?”
Her eyes were glowing a florescent blue
Radiant and frightening all in the same blink
She sat in the corner of my cell: one leg bent up, one leg bent horizontally beneath her
Wings flittering every few moments or so
She did not seem pleased
She did not seem kind
She did not seem to be mine though I had her at the height of vulnerability
“I want you to get me…”
“Speak wisely!” She interrupted. “Fore I am bound to give you exactly what you ask.”
“But forced to fill in the blank where you do not specify.”
I swallowed hard and thought carefully. Then continued to speak
“I want to go home!” I yelled and blinked
Then found myself in a prison cell, 600 feet deep.

An All Too Familiar Encounter...

It wasn’t a particularly cold day. It wasn’t particularly warm either. It was that blissful blend of sweet and sour, mild and spicy and a whole lot of other compromising euphemisms. I sat in the back of the Starbucks located in the mecca of South Philly society: 4^th and South. A large comfy chair supported my upper back as I typed away on my laptop with vigorous purpose.

“Here’s your latte Ms. Armstrong. Was there anything else you needed?” The barista was tall thin and trendy, lanky in places where most hipsters were lanky, however handsome in his face. If he gained about fifteen pounds and trimmed up his unruly beard I’d fuck him. Note to self, write a story about star-crossed lovers in the city of Philadelphia: a girl from the metal scene and your average, garden variety hipster from Northern Liberties.  I think it could be a hit.

“No thank you I’m fine.” I reply to him with a sweet tone and a smile. I’ve been trying my hardest to smile more lately. Random people on the street keep suggesting I do so. Mostly men. Anyway, I thought about it, randomly a couple weeks ago and I realized I do need to smile more. I find that I grimace in a mean-mug sort of manner even when I’m in a cheerful mood. Smiling is hard.

I sip my coffee gingerly and savor the thick scent of pumpkin spice as it lingers under my nose. The music in this shop is too low. I wouldn’t ever admit it but I actually like this song by ….I don’t even know who this song is by. It has a moderate tempo and you can definitely tell, behind the heavy 808 bass line and pulsing electronic-dub step, the girl can really sing. I like pop music like that. When you can go on YouTube and find numerous videos of said artist belting it out to a classical piano-forte like it was just her, her piano and her sacred four walls. I should have learned to play piano.

My peaceful musical reflection is disrupted by a voice. A deep voice accompanied by a dark pair of eyes, brown skin and frighteningly white teeth.

“How you doing?” He leaned over the table, WAY  into my personal space, pet peev alert, and his breath smelled like black-and-milds. Nothing wrong with that smell except that along with the waft of scent came unwanted spittle.

“I’m fine and yourself?” I didn’t smile.

“I’m good ma’. What’s your name?” I hesitated. Not because I was pondering whether or not to give him my name, because he wasn’t going to get it, I was trying to figure out why he was even in this Starbucks. He didn’t have a drink in his hand nor did he have a pastry. He also wasn’t with anyone and it didn’t appear that he was waiting to meet someone either.

“What’s yours?” I respond. A pat on the back for evading the question.

“Danny.”

“What brings you to Starbucks Danny?” I try to keep my voice as even as possible. It’s a known fact that any fluctuation in vocal pattern, when speaking to a stranger of the opposite sex, could result in a false indication of flirtation. I also kept my eyes on my computer. I wanted him to realize I was uninterested in speaking with him. I was merely being polite by responding.

“Well I was walking by and I saw you in the window, smiling at that white dude, and I thought to myself, I need to talk to that girl. She’s so beautiful, how could I not?”

I responded to him with a smile, forced but a smile none the less. How do you respond to someone after a statement like that? Thanks for the compliment but I’m not interested in getting a cup of coffee with you or a beer. He’d immediately call me a bitch loud enough for everyone to hear and storm out of the shop. As a result I’d actually start to feel like a bitch. Further I’d be left with the embarrassing stares of the people around me. Any other response would result in his staying and shooting the shit, which I definitely didn’t want. I just wanted to write in peace.

“Thanks!”

“Can I get your num…” Before he could finish his sentence a young man in a Starbucks uniform walked up to us and interrupted.

“Hey, are you alright? Did you need anything else?” He spoke directly to me. His voice was loud and deep and it was clear he was just arriving for work, apron in hand, visor connected to his belt. He also leaned into my space a bit but this time I was more than grateful for this action. “Do you know this guy? I only ask because you look a bit uncomfortable.”

He was very direct and to the point. I appreciated that. He looked the main dead in the face and didn’t flinch a bit.

“No I don’t know him. I think he was just leaving though, so I should be alright. Thank you for asking.”

I looked at the man with polite eyes, or at least with what I thought was polite eyes. Sometimes I’m not sure. I have one of those faces that just seems to look angry all of the time. The barista looked at him too. His face looked more like you got the hint buddy. My hero!

“Oh is that how it is? Aight.” The man walked away with a limp. Did guys still do that? He didn’t look behind him, he didn’t say anything, and he did cause a scene.

“Thank you! I wasn’t sure how to get out of that one without actually leaving.”

“No worries. He’s a repeat offender. Comes in here all the time hitting on good looking girls. Trapping them really. I’ve had to ask him to leave on a number of occasions. I’m Matt.” As he stuck out his hand to shake mine his bright blue eyes caught the sun light as it trickled through the visor blinds. I’d definitely fuck him!!

“Rochelle. Thanks again!” He smiled at me as he walked to what I can only assume was the staff only lounge. I took a deep breath and thanked the universe for people like Matt.

With a heavy sigh and a shake of my head, I got back to my writing. I sipped my coffee and listened to my music (I’ve found that having ear buds in sometimes deters the weirdoes). Every once in a while I’d glance up at the counter and catch Matt glancing back. Maybe I’ll ask him for his number before I head out. 

An experiment with Isocola

Here he waited in the darkness of the barren streets
They were cold, they were wet, they were still as death herself
He never asked to be a soldier
He never asked to occupy the living
Like they were minions of the dead
But here he stood
Rifle in hand, sword by his side
And though his courage wavered depending on the moon’s phase in the sky
He held fast, his face frozen in time

He hated the stillness the night did bring
He hated the silence and wind against his skin
All he wanted was the warmth of a body
It didn’t matter who
Gender, age, race…whatever
He wanted to feel human

“Live now, Live free!”
His best friend bellowed to him
From the humid beaches of his hometown memories
Memories of lazy days
Rough surf and dirty sand
He couldn’t remember
At that moment
Exactly how long he’d been gone from that dump they called the shore
But he missed its salty stench
Thick in the air, thick in his nose
He missed it so deeply

Ask not, ask how, ask when, ask never
the words echoed in his brain
As he stood erect on the twisted street
Paved with brick beneath his boots
The wind cut through him like a chilled knife to cake

He had been had
He had been tricked
He had been recruited

And now he waited
Armed and washed of his will
Waiting for orders
And the liberty to kill
For freedom's sake

A Childhood game, a claim to property, a missing verse, and a plea for freedom (SONNETS)

19.
Somehow you’ve found me in this dark room
clear across the dimness and dust and dirt
you’ve located my beating heart in the shades of black
And now I seek and challenge you back
Marco……((silence)))
Polo…..victory
Here in the cave so crimson and bright
You hear my voice though you can’t see my eyes
I am a vision in your memory
a distant, diamond of destiny
But did you think you’d get all of me?
Alas you’ve lost your chance
Alas we’re done this dance
Finally you’re gone

20.
Her heart was an expletive
By expletive we mean naked
By naked we mean thin lace boy shorts
Arms across her chest and nothing more
Her body was chaste
By chaste we mean untouched
by untouched we mean never loved
unrequited and nothing more
And here you ask your questions
Debate exactly what I could mean
Is her heart truly naked?
Is her body really unclean?
I will never betray her and her secret lost so deep
For her heart is her heart, her body her body, and both are hers to keep.

....

21.b
He haunts these empty halls
He doesn’t know why he’s here
Behind bars afraid
With freedom afraid
Lost in his head though he never sleeps
He cries out to me in my dreams
With slow, yet précised and rapid strums of strings
I wake and press my eyes to bleed
These memories of lost heart’s seeds
Of things I thought would be but knew they weren’t
Of things I fought to be but desperately new they couldn’t
And now I’m free and love fully of my own, so easy to achieve it
I pray you find a new home to haunt, I truly mean it. 

Friday Writing Prompt Challenge

A morning of blinding light
The fatigue a feeling pulling tight.
The sludgy, grumpy mood is right
Controlling how I feel.

Alas the smell of rich hazelnut calls
The black liquid, hot and steaming
From this cup enthralls
Me, I hold it tight underneath my nose
It beckons me to wake

And in this sip it stimulates me
Courses through my entire being
And in this gulp
I find relief
The energy I need to be

A human being
polite not mean
Not zombified by midnight screams
Not controlled by sleep depravity
This liquid gold has set me free

OH BOY SONNETS!!!

16.
There is no power
only perception
I fool you not this is the truth of the matter
For each of you are tricked into thinking
Your opinions truly count
When all they are
are pithy, minor, complaints
To the deaf
Giant, massive, useless bags of air
But in your continuous efforts to be heard
In your tenacious actions though absurd
After you’ve died from exhaustion and protest
The change comes slightly
There is no rest

17.
He managed to correct himself
I was impressed by his ability to adjust
I gave him a good tongue lashing
His enlightenment being the result
I hope he spreads the good news
Like wildfire among his peers
I hope he’s smart enough to realize
The fight does not end here
For if he thinks enduring
My soap box symphony was the end
He needs to know
Boys turn into men
And raise daughters
so what then?

18.
She asked you for nature
So you gave her a house plant
She requested the ocean
So you changed her screen saver
She wanted a good book
You bought her Fifty Shades of Grey
She needed a hug
You just laughed her away
I need no explanation of the man you’ve become
I fear you’re too busy or broken to love someone
I hope I am wrong
but if it happens to be true
I hope you find someone to love
that’s not you.

Ten for the Coven Love Forgot

1

The angles rose from moistened land

Were paralleled to each other

The beams came down from stricken sky

They nearly executed each other

They crissed and crossed and formed a maze

That no one dare to test

These angled roses and beams of light

A challenge to ye poses

2

Though in this garden I do hesitate

I wait and listen sharp

I dare not rush or gallop or trot

Lest they blast my living heart

I hear them creeping, seeping, slithering

Beneath the shallow sod

The water still, the air doth kill

For thick it is and odd

3

I press forward in the dampen fog

The chill of the creek does freeze my toes

The land uneven stutters my step

The stench of mold my nose offends

The Moon is bright; it’s guiding light the only comfort here

I close my eyes

I feel him rise

The visitor is near

4

All manner of insect are silent now

All night dwelling creatures are still

I feel the pressure shift and sounder

I know he’s near me

Still I wonder how he feels me enter

I know I covered my steps this way

Mother did teach me herself

I close my eyes and speak the phrases

That will swiftly bring me help

5

Adiuva me congnatione (help me my family)

Infixus solo pedes mei (my feet are stuck to the ground)

Talem cum venustate ita me anticent (Such is the charm so ancient)

Protinus a victoria fine ( that gives me a victorious end)

The bare branches did sway

The wind did push me over

I swear the Moon did shine brighter

But his essence near me grew stronger

6

I lay in the muck cold and weeping

Holding fast what courage left I had

My hands do shake and shiver beneath me

I smell his ratchet soul advance

I hear his breath between my ears

I know he’s here! I feel him near!

And then a hand around my throat

Squeezeth air from my lungs

Bright and billowing I watch it

Leave my body in the night it hung

And in the moisture

Ever clear and apparent

His eyes stare back

His mouth doth shape

And his voice did echo near it

7

Why do you come here?

A deep and booming sound he had

Why do you stalk here?

No words from me could I give back

You are not welcome in these timbers

I did not invite you, you cannot come in

Return to your coven

Leave this place henceforth

I wish to never see you again!

8

The voice did rattle my heart in my chest

Its body full and deep

I swore if I were not possessed

My ear drums they’d pop as well as my chest

And leave me here to leak

I answered him not

Just stood to my feet and thrust my arms in the air

Palms to the sky

Eyes bright and wide

I recited this spell right here:

9

Absit a te, nostro generi hominum daemonis

Capies e familia mea

Numquid si vita mortem

Ad mare rubrum sanguinem proieci

Ut patribus vestris a facie confusio vos facite

Tua opera fieri infectum

Mea belli parta

Tu daemon fuerit a me,

(Away from my family you demon man

You stalk out my family

You cause death where life should be

I cast you to the blood red sea

May your ancestors quake at the shame you did make

May your deeds be undone

My our war be won

You demon man be gone from me)

10

His laugh did shake the ground

Rattle hard my resolve upon me

I stood fast with hands stretched wide

Fingers spread above me

I sang the words from my throat and bellowed them from my soul

I pushed so hard the ancient power

 I could feel it shake my bones

But all he did was laugh

And sneer and chide and tease

You foolish child

You idiot spawn

You know not who you tempt be gone.

For if you were truly

Half the witch that is equal to your beauty

You’d not come here to banish

You’d stride with pride

Through obstacles wide

And know your father through me

I spoke not, just hung there

It seemed forever

Silent as a lamb asleep

My breath was deep

I fought against my need to weep

You’re a liar! I screamed. My father is deceased.

He chided and he laughed

Then the night did know peace.