Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
I wake fighting waves of water
Escaping with your daughter
Sea lapping at our sides
As the compass needle glides
Beneath the dark expanse of night
No other refugees in sight
.
We seek shelter's distant shores
Nowhere we have seen before
Somewhere unknown and uncharted
Anywhere but where we started
Leaving home for isolation
Seeking tranquil destinations
.
Fear's red hue marking our dead
Ghosts of slaughter, in our beds
Someone else's flag, unfurled
Yesterday's unsettled world
Tossing hope and joy aside
How long, how long... this infernal struggle to survive?
__________
Copyright © 05/28/2024 by Christy Munson. All rights reserved.
__________
Author's Notes: Written for Randy Baker's unofficial challenge, Prompted #5. for June 2024. Requirements stipulate a minimum of 13 words across 12 lines.
prompt words (25): beneath, compass, dead, destinations, expanse, escaping, glides, home, hue, isolation, leaving, marking, night, nowhere, reckoning (title), sea, sight, tranquil, uncharted, unknown, wake, water, waves, world, yesterday
About the Creator
Christy Munson
My words expose what I find real and worth exploring.
Top Stories: 🥳
Unofficial Challenge Winners:
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Keep reading
More stories from Christy Munson and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (8)
I likes first stanza.
Wow Christy!! The journey you just took us on is something else... this felt very dystopian/ psychological thriller in poem form!! That ending left me breathless!! Great work here!!
I love this take on the prompted words!
Emotionally beautiful! Incredible entry for the challenge!
From the first couplet this was an intensely powerful piece. What an incredible use of the challenge words in such an impactful way
A potent reminder of how malignant and cruel the powers of this world really are. Unthinkable.
Gorgeous contribution to the challenge!
This was so poignant and emotional. Loved your poem!