Doomsday Nursery Rhyme

In the mildewed eye of laughter,

Rotten apples soften.

Crows pick at the bone disasters

Sleeping in black coffins.

Computers spit out prophecy

Of destruction and doom,

While endless soldier prodigies

March down into mass tombs.

 

And the thunder rumbles! Rumbles!

Buildings crumble, clatter and burn.

As the bodies tumble! Tumble!

Nowhere to hide; nowhere to turn.

 

Children cower in the caverns,

Small heads tucked between knees.

Fire orchids paint hot patterns

That guzzle moonlit trees.

Mommy prays for Heaven’s mercies,

Daddy loads his shotgun.

Pins and needles, right foot hurts me

I’m glad I’ve still got one.

 

And the thunder rumbles! Rumbles!

Buildings crumble, clatter and burn.

As the bodies tumble! Tumble!

Nowhere to hide; nowhere to turn.

 

We cry out, but God won’t answer.

Nothing rests; nothing heals.

Alchemists and necromancers:

Raise the dead! Shape the steel.

But magic words are wasted breath;

Fiddle fie! Fairytales.  

No cure for life; no cure for death.

Heavens fall; Hell prevails.

 

And the thunder rumbles! Rumbles!

Buildings crumble, clatter and burn.

As the bodies tumble! Tumble!

Nowhere to hide; nowhere to turn.

 

Repent and hope someone hears it,

Lay dried up flowers on the grave

Of the conquered human spirit,

But never mourn the mindless knave.

Reviews

[Kerry O'Connor]

This reads like 17th Century poetry, but with the modern terminology it has a more vibrant kick. The refrain becomes more ominous with each repetition - I hear the echo of kettle drums.

Fave lines:

Fire orchids paint hot patterns
That guzzle moonlit trees.

[*~*Butterfly Kisses*~*]

Wow. this is amazing. While I dont necessarily believe in Doomsday happening in my lifetime, with the imagery and current events happening within our world today it just may very be, or seem that way. Loved this piece, nicely done.

~anna rose

[Ruth]

Oh yes! Had to re-read! lol
Now this is epic! lol So much here to decipher and dwell upon, there is an almost ancient language to the feel to of this, a piece that could be in with the greats!
Awesome imagery, left me reeling xoxo

[Hayley]

This is intense. I like the repetition of the thunder and the rumbling. This would be a very effective spoken word piece. The last stanza was that final wow statement as well, with the dried flowers. Such symbolism.
I agree with Kerry, too. It does have an old feel to it, but that is one style I always have loved and have written in. (Maybe that's why I like it so much!)
Excellent work!

[WhiteWillow]

You don't mince words, and paint all-too-vivid pictures. Entertaining and mesmerizing.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A cup held high the poets of old, well done, good read.

[Raccoony]

What a thrilling poem! I can definitely hear Muse singing this! The imagery and feelings that you portray in words give me nips of excitement wound with dread. A striking read. Thank you!

[Mockingbird]

very apocalyptic. great imagery and energy. very lyrical as well. great job. great topic.

[Demi Rose]

i am still reeling. loved it though. had everything i was hoping for and then some.

[Kid Kirby]

Wow - very cool (and ominous.) "No cure fo life, no cure for death" Love it

[Kenneth The Poet]

This is ten thousand pounds of awesome!