Birth of a Monster

I have to admit. I am my own worst enemy. Writing can be a pain in the rear end. 

You start with one idea in mind, and, soon, that idea develops a mind of its own.

It takes time to shape it into something that you both (the writer and the writing) agree upon. 

This poem. while you can try and read it as a stand alone one, is definitely missing something from before. And something after it. Both the before and after will be written in due time. This, however was inspired by something I read recently. A borrowed book, as chance would have it. Now don't worry about the names. they'll make sense when (and if) everything is ready. Each Character will have its own name. 

The picture did help quite a bit. Glad I got permission to use it. Copyright goes to Frank Doorhof. Might use more pictures, if I will allow be to do so.

Well... enjoy:

Birth of a Monster

It’s been centuries since his death.

Now a drained soul in his burnt out shell,

A husk with cracked lips, struggling for breath,

Chained to the walls of the black cell.

Stabbed in the back, consumed in fire,

A serpent coiled around him.

Demons stripped his skin with ire,

As he laid at their Master’s whim.

Amidst the screams and terror,

Through the stench of rot and smoke,

Drew closer a vision of one once fairer,

Fleet footed and shrouded in a dark cloak.

A raven perched on her shoulder,

She danced as mad,

With ashen face and eyes a’ smolder,

In folds of black-red roses clad.

“Dead, yet again” she said, in a whisper voice,

He opened his mouth to speak.

“Shush, my dear, I know, it’s not by choice…

Be still, my love your future is not that bleak.”

“Lorelei…” He uttered, but no reply.

Round the dimly lit cell she walked

Closely watching him, knowing he’d feel

Like prey by deadly predators stalked.

“I am here to offer you a deal.”

Her cold hand brushed seared flesh,

Stopping where his heart once had been.

Suddenly his muscles twitched and threshed

As her nails pierced the void beneath his skin.

“Remember freedom?” He closed his eyes with no fear.

A gentle breeze caressed his face,

The swaying ship, the sea calm and skies clear,

Another day’s voyage and he’d be in her embrace.

“You could have all that back… And more.”

“If you ever loved me… you’d free me.”

The chains snapped and he fell to the floor.

“You’ll be truly free when you bend the knee.”

“I would sooner… go to my death.”

The temptress cracked a smile…

“Stubborn fool… even when short of breath.

I am offering a way out, before Master’s trial.”

“No...“

“They made you the villain in your story.

Embrace me. Rejoin the fight.

Reclaim your proper glory.

Return and set things right.

Shed this charred and tattered skin,

Take pride in the scars of battles past,

Don the cloak of sin,

Get your vengeance at last.”

“A century ago, it would’ve been a godsend,”

He admitted as he struggled to stand.

“Now, what’s the good, to what end?

Why should I raise or stay my hand?”

“What if… you could undo their crime?

No more generals… no more kings…

What if… I could give you more time?”

She asked, unfolding her crimson wings.

Only then did he notice in her eyes,

The mad and bloodshot stare turn to eerie glimmer.

“Is the thought of seeing… her… a promise of Paradise?

Time’s running out and that hope’s growing dimmer.”

“Such… help… never comes free…”

“True, my price is but one.”

“Name it, what would you have of me”

“Kill the Master when your battle’s won.

I have served him far too long

And I have grown far too tired.

Time for one last swan song

Is the last thing I dare desire.”

“How would I go about this?”

“Kneel before the Master’s throne,

He’ll never see things are amiss.

As his power wanes, gather your own.

As for your will, worry not.

It’s still yours, if I have a say in it.”

“I am not throwing away my shot.

I won’t rest until that bastard’s throat is slit.

Lend me power and you shall have my blade.”

She kissed his cheek and stabbed him in the back.

“You must crawl before you fly,” she said stepping in the shade.

‘You’ll be the last to die,’ he thought, fading to black.

The Darkness that enveloped him was unyielding.

He felt the snake slither beneath his skin,

Coiling its body around his soul, scalpel wielding

Tendrils tightening and molding the monster within.

His husk was soon carted into the throne room.

He heard the Master’s voice as he spoke:

“You’ve been summoned from your cell and tomb.

Stir from your slumber, time you awoke.”

Murmurs swept throughout the great hall.

Lorelei was standing at the Master’s right hand

“My liege, generals, guests, I present to one and all

My masterpiece, as promised. Ready for command.”

The husk cracked and there he stood, kneeling before the throne.

His burnt face, hidden under a dead cold mask.

A tattered cloak shrouded his skin of ash and stone.

“A sight to behold. Let us hope he is up for the task.

Have an armor to fit your rank

A sword of blood for you to wield.”

As he bowed once more to present his thanks

He caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the shield…

I’ve become my own nemesis,