“Her nights are full of the red teeth of death”
–Jim Harrison, “Life,” Dead Men’s Float
Blue is the color of sky and sea,
green are the blades of grass in spring
when the world is born again, and new
shoots raise their heads to the golden sun
whose chariot flies till day is done.
But no less vital is the color red
that drips at birth and stops when we’re dead.
The color that men fear to see
afraid of its power—or destiny.
For though Death may arrive gentle and pale,
her teeth are like spikes, or the sharpest nails.
When she comes for you in the dark of night
she’ll smile–as if to say it’s all right,
but her teeth are scarlet within her grin,
and life is soon gone—after she slowly leans in.
Apparently, Death is a vampire. Who knew? Mysterious messages and some truths come from Jilly’s 28 Days of Unreason, based on the poetry of Jim Harrison. This is Day 6.
It is also the anniversary of D Day, June 6, 1944, and the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy on June 6, 1968. I suppose blood and death is on my mind.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
As I said, it was hard to get something fun out of this prompt 🙂
What- Death as a vampire isn’t fun? 😉
Getting to yours now.
I don’t find vampires fun, but maybe I’m strange.
I was joking. I didn’t set out to write about vampires–just Death–but somehow that’s what it ended-up sounding like to me. That’s what I thought was funny. 🙂
Do you think this might be your subconscious telling you that your greatest fear is vampires? Do you know the symbolism of the vampire? Would you like to talk to us about it? We’re here to help…
Oh, you’re cute, Jane. 😉
I hope I know what you mean 🙂
I think you do. 🙂
🙂
This poem has bite! And I really really like it. Grrrr.
Thank you, Pam!
Just read this and posted mine- I took a similar turn. It’s not a prompt that promotes happy thoughts. Yours is excellent!
Thank you! No, you’re right this prompt seems to lead to darkness. I will check yours out soon.
A well written tale , in addition a fine reminder that it is D Day and the 50 Th anniversary since the loss of RFK.
Thank you so much, Holly!
Sorry about the double comment I left on your post. Nothing was there–then there were two! 🙂
I’ll take care of it. It happens. 😊
🙂
The vampire association with the notion that ‘Death may arrive gentle and pale’ is an excellent association
Thank you, Laura.
I really didn’t intend it to be about a death/vampire, but after I read it, that’s what it seemed to be. 🙂
It’s metaphorical too!
Yes, well Death. . .
I always think of Bergman’s Death playing chess with the knight.
You had me at the symbolic use of color. The style of your lines gives this a gentle and calm feel which makes Death more surprising. I promise, not all of the prompts are this dark!
Thanks, Jilly. 🙂 Dark or not, I think we’re all having fun.
I know I am! (Be sure you read Vivian’s – cracked me up. Leave it to a dentist on this prompt!)
For some reason I’m hearing Hall and Oates in the background, “Oh-oh, here she comes…!” Another dark and stormy response to the prompt. I love the catalog of colors and the rhyme. Very nice — er, dark!
Hahaha. Thanks. I wasn’t hearing Hall and Oates at all, but thanks for the earworm! 🙂
Oh, that last line. Very creepy.
Thanks, Sarah. 🙂
“her teeth are scarlet within her grin,” I like that a lot.
Thank you!
Sad, but appropriate response, Merril.
Thank you, Ken.
Love the way you used colors … but the ending created YIKES! Hi Merril …. and well done.
Thank you, Frank–and hi, back to you! 🙂
Yeah, this prompt led to darkness-you should read some of the others!
I’m too scared to do that.
🙂
You struck a good vein here, Merril
Thank you, Derrick.
Clever– I can tell you’re feeling better! 😉
🙂
This has depth and I did think about RFK, Jr but forgot about D-DAY.
The blood flowing seems to indicate melancholy. Red does seem to brown and fade, this keeps the memories alive. . .those lost in battle for civil rights and for freedom.
Thank you, Robin. Yes, lots of blood and tragedy.