The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!
Black Lines Beneath Flesh
by Melissa R. Mendelson
My soul’s in torment,
twisted and broken,
burning and shedding,
breaking apart.
My skin ripped open.
My bones fractured,
and my mind stolen.
I’ve fought to survive,
but with each moment
that I think I have escaped,
the darkness is still there,
pulling back the chain
and reeling me into the endless screams
that have shattered my every night.
My soul is clawing,
clinging and digging.
Still, I see the fires of hell,
the lanterns in my eyes
as I wipe the mirror,
try to erase the stranger
that has reached inside,
tearing the cotton out,
everything gone
except for the lingering,
the lasting bit that begs
and dreams,
and cries,
“When will the suffering end?”
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
More from Melissa R. Mendelson:
The Echo of Trees Falling Down
I never wanted to call this place, home. My life belonged to the streets of Long Island, where civilization lived and breathed and did not die out in the boondocks. I ran away every chance I got. My family remained behind, surrounded by the woods and wildlife, but I was gone, running fast and furious until I derailed, sabotaged by my own mistakes. And then I returned, slowly piecing myself back together, and as I did, I discovered the beauty and quiet that had gone unnoticed for far too long. But after a period of time, I realized that this place was dying. A quiet invasion had begun, one that would tear the trees from their roots and drive the wildlife out into the streets, where they would be run down. And we too would follow because in their eyes, we did not belong, and it’s a losing battle. Their destruction is everywhere, and misery is now our friendly companion. I used to hate living here, but I grew up here. My family lives here, and I am not going to run away because this place is my home.
Spreading the Writer's Word 
Loved it.
Thank you. 🙂
Perfect! Ending National Poetry Month with a lovely, spooky poem. I love it!
Thank you. :):):)