20 Poem by Michael Webb

drops of tears
like shattered chandeliers
soak into the carpet
he spills the beer
upon a candle
that leaves him in darkness

he listens to the warped voices
that melt into him
he feels their forces
and abandons his intuition

shallow breaths
barely escape
upon the gallows his neck
upon his back a cape
upon his shoulders
lies the weight
of the world

eyes vacant
like black holes
as he dives into the lake
in search of a soul
so far away

the reaper chuckles
and asks for a dance
ever so subtle
never a chance
for a hesitant rebuttal

cancerous tumors
weakening my strength
as dangerous consumers
hide and wait
riddles and rumors
to seal my fate

predators and prey
sedatives sedate
me on the ledge while I wait
to crash into the waves
and vanish without a trace
no longer held captive
in the maze

cryptic words in ink
that cannot be erased
if this bird could sing
through the bars of the cage
with broken wings
and a voice strained
if he could dream
he wouldn't lie awake

afraid to close my eyes
because all I see is the shadow
of a hat and a sythe
and a grave ever so shallow

in tongues I speak
approaching the crossroads
with lungs so weak
I scream at my lost soul
I come to a creek
and hear that bell toll
I succumb to the deep
black waters that pull
apart my heartstrings