A Halloween Circus of the Dead…why yes, how could I resist? This poem was written for Late-Night Poet’s upcoming show. If you’re at all the squeamish kind, I’d say look away!

Something Hidden

Prepare your flesh for initiation,
grief and fear cleverly disguised.
Intricate tribal lacerations,
runes carved in strict designs.

Spread the skin taut and wide.
Slather gypsum mixed with clay.
Join me in the jungle deep.
Embrace your inner crazy.

Patterns carved with river rock
after a swill, the outline’s hazy.
Stenciled in cremation ash
to form the ritual engravings.

Fan the flames overhead,
guideposts garish, rough, and red.
The power of the wolf
must be frequently fed.

Flesh exposed;
legs spread;
honor obliterated;
awaken the dead.

Evil just lies dormant
in the body’s
next adornment.

© 2022 | K.Hartless


13 responses to “Something Hidden”

  1. Wow, that is using your poetic gift for a scary piece. That photo was also wild. Nicely put together. Lovely work. Sending hugs 🤗 Joni

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    1. The creepiness builds in this one, what a ride it is! 🎃

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you. It was fun x I’m such a nerd I’m sitting here googling runes and just having the best time wordsmithing. So glad you enjoyed it.💀

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      2. 💓

        Like

    2. Thank you, Joni. I enjoy variety and being a bit naughty every now and again. It’s the season for making mischief. 🎃

      Liked by 1 person

  2. You warned me— the squirming ones but I read with one eye daring myself to go a little crazy.
    The photo will give me nightmares. And the words…
    This was spooky. Mission accomplished. Lovely work. Xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Selma. Disclaimer well-worth it, and I thank you for braving this piece and leaving me this message that to me says mission accomplished. I’m super appreciative of your words.

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  3. Inside your head must be the Underworld 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My three-headed dog wags his tail at you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Better three than one empty 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Tom Avatar

    Some haunting verses here, K – powerful descriptions that fully immerse the reader 🙂 Excellent piece!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tom. These sorts of flights fancy are more bookish than you’d imagine. I love learning about something new as I craft a piece of my own. 💜🎃

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you for the song and I am loving your Halloween poetry. And dear K. Hartless. I liked your Halloween photo.

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