Signum Mali Ominis Poem by Anthony J. O.

Like a distant tremble when it’s raining,
A harbinger of death in the night.

Like a dull pain in your ribcage,
A mother’s cry for her child.

Like a bold promise that can’t be kept,
A genuine hatred surfacing calmly.

Like a wolf’s howl in the moon’s glow,
A bird convulsing on the sidewalk.

Like a painting of Jezebel in her night-gown,
A love letter penned in innocent blood.

Like a twisted tune wandering carelessly,
A purple robe hovering above the rooftops.

Like a flash of luck tormented by grief,
A hollow chime announcing tears.

Like a drunkard’s parking-ticket,
A gypsy woman’s regret.

Like a single footprint in the woods,
A desire too strong to wane.

Like a tumbling leaf at summer’s close
A crackling sound carried by the breeze.

Like a shadow falling on closed eyes,
A piercing roar of wicked laughter.

Like a deserted, dusty side road,
A dark hallway leading you to the 13th pair.

Like a dream preceding the Ides of March –
The signs are not the least bit promising.