Beyond the Ashes

Aftermath of City of Despair

The city still burns in my mind. The scars remain, no matter how I try to hide.

You’d think a moment with kin would cleanse the horror, yet all I see are the severed limbs of my comrades.

You’d think a moment of silence would give you peace, yet the motionless wind slowly drifts you back to that darn city.

Though my soul has been saved, my mind still sees red and flames.

Though I’ve got a pen in my hand, a phantom pain of my finger on the trigger still rests in my palm.

That gosh-darn city… all the deeds I have done. When the Lord decides to take me into his arms, I pray He forgives me for all I have done.

Now I am numb, masked with a radiant-a*s smile, missing two fingers and an arm, pleading for the day I can leave this farm, stripped from the city’s storm.

But aside from the madness that consumes my body as I roam adrift in my homeland,

a glimmer and sparkle of hope still exists within my heart�"a shred of hope that the terror will soon be overcome by the love I so sorely wish to prevail.

May not be much for a broken ol’ jarhead like me, but I reckon this should be enough to keep me going.

Reviews

[Lauren]

“Hey, I read a bit of your work and really liked how you handle character voice. I’m developing a fantasy comic/graphic novel set in a protected woodland where humans, animals, and creatures can all communicate, with some humor mixed in. I’m mainly looking for help with dialogue and character moments. If that sounds interesting, feel free to reply or add me on Discord: laurendoesitall or Instagram: lizziedoesitall.”

[Elsa 123]

Hey! I loved your story your writing is super vivid and easy to picture. I’m an artist who does commission work (covers, character art), and I think your work would look amazing visually. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out on Instagram (elsaa.uwu) or Discord (elsaa uwu)!