Nathaniel I

His death was truly warranted
well deserved that’s what they said
pronounced by shrouded justice
sealed in wax by lead,
when the rope it tightened
I betrayed a prideful smile
this was judgement destined
the product of pure guile

we do not sing dirges here
we frown them full of spite
into rosemary scented handkerchiefs
pressed and creased just right
do not just believe the chant
you should feel it deep within
at least that’s what the pastor said
with righteous might and vim

yet the throng paused in its swaying
as the coffin bearers dropped
every mourner would have sworn
that time itself had stopped
up swung that wooden lid
and corpse drew ragged breath
nothing could have warned us
of the foetid stench it left
one leprous finger pointed
blanched of colour and joy
in unholy truth anointed
satisfaction was destroyed

with fateful pause it spoke
the prose was foul indeed
it sprayed across the pews
like devil tainted seed
the words they took a hold
within each of us there sprang
a dread so pure and mournful
that from those seats we ran
sobbing, panting, heaving
we flew from Satan’s shroud
while all we heard behind us
was laughter booming loud

at last our flight was halted
exhausted children fell
families huddled hopeless
as if transfixed by spell
laughter now had faded
but a sullen mist arose
soaking as if seeking
our insufficient clothes,
a pitch black dread descended
callous horror driven down
it was then he came upon us
the stench enough to drown
his voice was wormed and loathsome
dripping bile just for me

"I see you there Nathaniel
your trespasses are done
none around us knew
the monster you've become
you shifted guilt before
but this is justice come"

with that last pronouncement
my gaze dragged from his eyes
maggots danced around us
decrying my demise
I wrenched away still scheming
witnessed frightened faces stilled
caught by horror and amazement
at the truth the corpse revealed

his crooked finger gestured
my flight would be in vain
so before those wretched faces
my final curse I declaimed

"You who now look bewildered
yet took joy in death's decree
should keep your daggers silvered
for I'll be back to set souls free”