The Returning Hero
An Entry To Poppy's Prompts - March Edition
All hail the conquering hero,
From the land of below zero.
Footprints like a snowy mould,
Aches and pains from growing old.
A vanilla backdrop I left behind.
Hating the moral compass in my mind.
My body is like shattered ice,
A spiderweb of cracks over thrice.
I trudge onward, towards the end.
For the homes, I must defend.
No hope in sight,
I watch the fading light.
The snow continues to swirl,
My brow will never unfurl.
A hero no more.
I fall to the floor.
Hating my duty to shovel the walk,
When I hear my old neighbour’s knock.
Calling me to shovel more snow,
I’m labelled as their returning hero.
About the Creator
Donna Fox (HKB)
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The Monster of Aneh-ta
Leaving the Oracle’s temples, I pull my hood up and rub the velvet ruby-red material against my cheek. I wipe the tears away as I sign to soothe my nerves and to kill the beast that killed my fiancé. The whisper of the oracle still lingers in my ears as I march through the woods in search of the labyrinth that holds the Monster of Aneh-ta. Damien took on a quest himself to bring back the creature's head but failed and, as a result, lost his life. I refuse to face such a fate myself, so now I march with the sole intent of bringing back the beast’s head and saving our noble city from its wrath. As I get closer to the labyrinth, I hear the serenade of the waterfall that guards it. I round the corner and my jaw drops at the sight before me. I watch this modest waterfall cascade into the small river below it. I expected a loud roaring presence but am met by this peaceful place. It almost shakes my resolve to where I had to fight not to turn around and go home. But at that moment, the sun shines down on the clearing and I am awash in this peaceful glow that the sun’s warmth provides. I raise my hands and embrace the warm light with a sigh of soothing calmness, and suddenly I feel a weight drop into my hands. I open my eyes to find the legendary sword or Swin in my hands. It glows with an effervescence that brings me all the courage I need to do what I must. I mutter a few words of thanks to Athena as she strengthens my resolve. Then begin to march toward the waterfall, prepared to face the enigma that is the Monster of Aneh-ta. The flickering torchlight allows my eyes to adjust more easily as I enter the maze below the waterfall, and I swallow the last of fear in preparation for my coming battle. It appears the beast has been waiting for me as I round the first corner and encounter it. Suddenly, the beast roars and my velvet hood comes off as its green breath clouds my vision. In the blink of an eye, I put my faith in Athena and she guides the sword to victory, killing the monster of Aneh-ta and saving our city.
By Donna Fox (HKB)3 months ago in Poets
Comments (10)
Haha. No rest for the wicked shoveller.
"Hating the moral compass in my mind" really struck deep for me lol. I've been told goodness knows how many times that I would make an excellent Paladin, what with the iron strong moral compass I've got. Though I'm not sure about that, I certainly let that dratted compass get me into more than a few scrapes lol. This poem was awesome, Donna! Personally, I actually quite enjoy shoveling snow. But then I also like doing dishes, so maybe I'm just broken haha.
This took my far away to different theatres and then back to domestic drudgery!
I love the premise of this poem and how you carried it out so well. "My body is like shattered ice, A spiderweb of cracks over thrice." Was an especially awesome couple of lines! Really well done Donna!
Oh he's definitely a hero in my eyes. I'll just straight up drop dead in winter because I cannot stand the cold. So someone who gets rid of some snow would truly be a hero for me! Loved your take on Poppy's Prompts!
No good deed goes unpunished.
Such an epic tale! :D Honestly, I'm kinda missing my shoveling days.
Ah the neighbourhood snow day. You nailed it
This is great! Definitely reminds me of many afternoons spent trying to dig out my neighbour's house!
Love it, H! It's so much easier to be a hero if you own a snow blower!