Burn Me Into Ashes of Light

Why can’t it be the moon
shapeshifting into joy
and not my body doomed
to fang and claws by its light?

Tied to this cursed lycanthropy
I howl at the twilight orb
in a macabre sonnet of death.

I am a nightmare stalking prey
who believe my yellow sight
is a dream open eyes can escape.

Teeth sharpened by hunger’s growl
I tear flesh from bone surrendering
to the animal blaspheme has made me.

When daybreak begins to shutter the moon,
agony breaks in beads of remorse across my brow
transforming from wolf into humanity.

Falling to my knees I speak
a prayer to the morning,
“Sun please rise and never set;
torch this darkness I’ve become
and turn its shadow
into blessed ashes of light!


©Susie Clevenger 2013

 I wrote this for Izy's challenge at Real Toads where she prodded us to approach Iconic monsters with either a light of flattery or sympathy. I hope this draws sympathy for a werewolf. :)









Comments

Fireblossom said…
Ooo, poor thing. Let the sunshine in.
Kathryn Dyche said…
I felt the torture in this piece. Beautifully written.
Susan said…
I feel his pain and prayer. I feel sympathy for the clutches of addictions uncontrollable urges--especially those that endanger others. But I kind of like night ...
Strong voice with passion.
Kay L. Davies said…
This is agony, lycanthropized.
K
Anonymous said…
to feel bristles erupt from wrists and nails sharpen themselves to claws, fellow wolf...
Unknown said…
Ah! I hope to write on this. Very cool
Marian said…
oooh, i've always felt sorry for werewolves. bonus points for lycanthropy!
hedgewitch said…
A terrible curse to fall under, prey to one's own predator--I love "When daybreak begins to shutter the moon.." Susie--just gorgeous. An excellent take on the challenge.
Isadora Gruye said…
Great write out here, Susie! You cast a sympathetic and emotional portrait of the wolf(wo)man here and struck a wonderful balance of imagery and voice. Well done and viva la!!!
Hannah said…
I love your rich word choices and pain rendered images...well written, Susie!
Scarlet said…
I specially love that last stanza ~ Torch this darkness forever ~

Happy Halloween ~
Sherry Blue Sky said…
This is beautifully written, and powerful. I especially love "when daybreak begins to shutter the moon" and "turn its shadows into blessed ashes of light." I feel his pain. Wonderful, Susie.
Kerry O'Connor said…
Ah, Susie, you gave your werewolf such heart!
Ginny Brannan said…
Poor tortured and tormented creature, human by day, forced into soulless monster by night. Well done, Susie!
Ella said…
I love the shutter of the moon!
I love the tension you built and you so brought it...howling good! ;D
Wow! You evoke such emotion for this creature. Beautifully written Susie.
jacquie said…
Beautiful, Susie...and especially so when read aloud :)~jackie~
Anonymous said…
beautiful write...especially so when read aloud :) ~jackie~
Margaret said…
Powerful last stanzas. I have long had a pity for the werewolf - They seem so tortured, so pained they have to turn into something so evil. Nicely done!