Thy Wielder's Woe

• Thesath Mallikarachchi, Grade 11, Carey Baptist College
• Poetry
• 2022

2nd in the 'National Treasures 2022' competition

As the stars awaken from deep, deep slumber
And shadows begin conversing in hushed tones
Buds of being often entice with abandoned shrieks
A shifting figure comprised of oblivion themes-
"Even if those with Time’s curse inflicted, often never spare
Scruples of the journey, all but Life’s whore, must beware
I prithee follow trails of thy revenant's sown lilies
Toward Stygian fields, mortal-coil’s demise inevitably reveals
To witness fruits of the morrow made repugnant manure
Poor in passing; vermin trembling in pleasure’s sap allure;
Teaching ye solemnly to treasure thy warming glow
From raging tempests, and draughts that silently flow.
Now all is left, to venture and seed yet another unforgiving field
Then upon our next meeting, pray this harvest will yield
Its reaper, though yearning to burn as stubble-bright
Knowing he must endure the forlorn, unbroken night.”