SONG FOR THE GALLOWS
Come with me,
my love, and lie
underneath the bridge
and wait for the siren’s sonic flush
and flash of blue and red
while we avail ourselves
of crack cocaine
and gin upon a stony bed
beneath the bridge
before we lay our heads
upon the block
for sharpened blade to judge.
Poet’s Notes on “Song for the Gallows”
This very short poem came to me while I was driving, of all times! Luckily, I was able to scribble a few lines down while stopped at a red light, so I didn’t forget it. I may end up trying to set this one to a tune, which is why I included “song” in the title. I’d love to hear what you think of it!
If you enjoyed this poem, try “Summer Love” (Sonnet IV) and “in(sanity)” (one of my most popular poems, coincidentally!).
If you love my writing in general, my first poetry and short story collection Metamorphosis is available on Amazon for $0.99! That’s an affiliate link, so I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through it. You can also support Voyage of the Mind on Ko-fi. As always, thank you so much for reading!
A dark song indeed but hauntingly beautiful, Laura!
Thanks so much, Ingrid! 😊
Amazing and loved the spine-tingling last 3 lines! Like how you metaphorize (if that’s a word) the judgment of human beings/our system in the instrument of the punishment itself.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Metaphorize is a word in my dictionary, at least! 😊
One of my favorite novels! 🤩