Inspired by all three images
Monsters
Evil walks in many forms
shifting shapes, forecasting doom,
the warning clear—stay in the light,
avoid rural roads and city streets
don’t walk or drive alone at night.
Here harbingers of death
hover, hop, float, fly, and slither.
Watch for backward toes, a tail,
a wolf with eyes you recognize,
your girlfriend who is not—
evil hides behind false smiles,
beneath the skin–
fear the monsters, they are here
within.
Paul Brookes is hosting a month-long ekphrastic challenge using folklore images to celebrate the launch of his new poetry collection, “As Folktaleteller.” You can see the images here and also read the other responses. I’ve revised this some from the poem posted there.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
Thank you, Paul.
Yes, so true those last lines.
Yes, unfortunately so.
We all have our own definitions of light it seems. But the monsters within–they are always by our sides. (K)
Yes, that is so true. Lots of monsters coming out in full view right now.
I love this. Tis the season for folklore
Thanks so much, Rene. It is indeed. 🙂
😊
More horrifying than the goriest horror movie . . .
Thank you, Liz.
Yes, that’s what I think, too.
Ahh, Halloween calls to me through your words, Merril. No scarier monster than what is inside, indeed! Fantastic.
Thank you so much, Rose! So good to see you here!
This one is really chilling
Thank you very much, Derrick. Then it worked. 🙂
The monsters within are the most terrifying kind!
In other news, I went to an open mic at the Cheltenham Poetry Festival last night and it included lots of poets I’ve heard you mention-I definitely recommend their events!
Thank you, Ingrid. You are right about those monsters.
Congratulations on the poetry festival. I’ve definitely seen in mentioned. Do they also do on-line events (because a little far for me 😏)?
I did a podcast yesterday! It was so much fun. It will probably be available next month.
Yes, it was an online open mic. There’s another on 7 Nov and they still have space if the time works for you!
Congratulations on the podcast!
Ahh–I thought you went in-person. I’m not sure if I’m up for it, but something to think about in the future.
And thank you!