An Acrostic Sonnet - "The Secrets" - Frank Coffman
Oct 16, 2021 13:55:41 GMT -5
J.M. Van Horn likes this
Post by frankcoffman on Oct 16, 2021 13:55:41 GMT -5
The Secrets
In his dark, torch-lit study by the quay,
Near to the Innsmouth Harbour dockside where
Frightening things abound in mystery,
Each eve—long into night—you’d find him there,
Researching through arcane, forbidden pages.
“No rest,” he’d told himself, “until I glean
All hidden knowledge, lost along the Ages,
Learn what these Dread and Darkest Secrets mean.”
Reading one night in a grimoire steeped in Sin,
Inscribed with symbols very few could ken—
The leather bindings made of human skin!—
Until—at last!—the secrets kept from men
Appeared before his eyes.…
Then he caught fire!
(an Acrostic Irregular Sonnet)
Near to the Innsmouth Harbour dockside where
Frightening things abound in mystery,
Each eve—long into night—you’d find him there,
Researching through arcane, forbidden pages.
“No rest,” he’d told himself, “until I glean
All hidden knowledge, lost along the Ages,
Learn what these Dread and Darkest Secrets mean.”
Reading one night in a grimoire steeped in Sin,
Inscribed with symbols very few could ken—
The leather bindings made of human skin!—
Until—at last!—the secrets kept from men
Appeared before his eyes.…
Then he caught fire!
Leaving a pile of ash—fulfilled desire.
©2019 Frank Coffman, Member HWA, SFPA
First appeared in The Coven's Hornbook & Other Poems
Bold Venture Press
