Death's Masque

(N.B. In honor of Poe's Masque of the Red Death)

Five months have gone past,
While the subjects breathe their last
And their brave guards of grief fast;
Neither hurting nor aghast.
And so the die is cast.

As the weak wails die down,
Dancers waltz around and around,
Forgetting Death's unyielding dominance,
Through rooms 7; the last without Providence.

Tick-tock, Tick-Tock.
Death bypasses iron lock,
Smiles only to scare and mock
His gay and secluded flock;
His heart, like theirs, cold rock.

The pendulum strikes ominous 12;
The bloody lord appears to claim
His thousand of noble fame.
So to Hades the souls delve,
And out flickers the flame.

• On Sunday, June 6, 2004, snowdrop (2148) wrote:
  
  This is perfect. Your rhyme is very clear, and the set-up is exceptionally well though-out, or so it seems...very well put together...overall, a spectacular piece. I must read more of you.
  
  
• On Wednesday, August 20, 2003, morgue_white (178) wrote:
  
  a worthy tribute to a great poet. well-written
  
  
• On Wednesday, January 29, 2003, nonhero_until_death (158) wrote:
  
  excellent. i love reading interpretations of works. one of my poems is inspired by my interpretation of "The Fool on the Hill" by the Beatles. its called "Forgotten."