“TOME” is a gothic horror narrative poem steeped in occult imagery and oral-storytelling tradition, evoking the atmosphere of dark folklore and campfire legend. The tone is ominous, foreboding, and theatrical, driven by a prophetic voice that sounds both warning and witness, as though recounting an ancient evil newly awakened. Structurally, the poem succeeds through its ballad-like cadence and repeated framing lines, which create momentum and ritualistic tension. Its strongest qualities lie in vivid cinematic imagery, which establish a rich supernatural setting with economy and clarity. The poem also balances archaic diction with accessible phrasing, giving it the feel of a modern folk-horror tale. Particularly effective is the escalation from mystery to revelation, culminating in the chilling final warning that transforms the poem from mere narration into apocalyptic prophecy. Written for the “A Shattered Cup of Doom” novella, “Tome” appears in the “Second Shards of Broken Glass” chapbook.
“TOME”
well i’m gonna tell you once
and it’s all i’m bound to say
a force of holy hell has been
exhumed this very day
upon a craggy mountain
in the dirt atop a grave
when the full moon luminescence
strikes the handle of a spade
an old gray white beard hermit
with a lantern and a cane
brought a pyre of dry hemlock twigs
and white oak logs to flame
the sacrifice cursed thrice
in a prayer of ancient ways
was a tome of profane dark and deeds
laid out plainly on the blaze
while the book of evil burned
the shovel stabbed
the shovel turned
the old man wiped his brow
and drew his light
there carved in the casket lid
old church slavonic
script that bid
beware the one who
feeds upon the night
well i’m gonna tell you once
one more time i mean to say
a force of holy hell has been
unleashed this very day
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