Deception's Facade Poem by Kurt Hearth

Following feverish quest, for knowledge.
I submit to the venomous, depraved ego
lurking within me
The reed choked savanna, displayed
spurious temptation to, venture forth.
To challenge the unknown I was lured.
Disregarding the mire's disguised ruse.
I stepped from the lea's secure footing.
Plunging deeper, deeper into
Nature's wild unexplored domain.
Sans warning, I forged forward.
Increasingly difficult progressive
headway became. Reality, arrived
shockingly clear.

Lurking beneath fragile earthen crust.
Perilous silent mud suction commenced
its subtle assault, quietly resisting
my efforts. To advance became more,
and more combative with each step.
To place one foot before the preceding.

My realization shortly, this inhospitable
alien mead. Revealed but one
undeniable desire.
Ingest me body and soul.
Hysteria now compounded my plight.
Despite my frantic efforts,
the inescapable muck continued
to draw me to and in its greedy maw.
No matter my struggle for liberation.

I was drawn deeper, toward my demise.
Frantic panic soon drew tears of desperation.
For all of me now visible, head and one arm.
My voice but whisper, hoarse at that.
My arm flailed wildly no longer
bent limp at the elbow.
The mire forced past my lips, choking,
now stinging my eyes. I am lost.
Only my mind refuses to concede.

As inviting blackness invades my being
a strong grip at my wrist. I feel.
Power stronger than the muck's
suction I am lifted slowly free,
thwarting my execution.
My head clears, the choking mud I begin
coughing, spitting. My vision shows
only gray shadows.

Feeling my body clearing from my grave
I thrash as if attempting to assist my savior.
'Be still' a calm strong voice directs.
Complying I cease my movement.
Nervously waiting to be liberated.
Soon back I am, on savanna's footing.
Safe, my rescuer washes my eyes and
frees my mouth. I can breathe, speak and see.
A large gentle man smiles, attesting.
'Almost missed you. But it was not time.'
He rose, silently faded from view
within the reeds.
23Jan2012