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Abandoned Shell
An ekphrastic poem
May 20, 2022
A forsaken altar
erected for the dying
energy gods still
stands bright against
tempestuous blight
Words offering comfort
cling to crumbling facades
A hint of the true cost paid
for temporary solace
Weeds spread through
cracks in the veneer
Multiply like rumors
Echos of plenty
now registering
Empty
Mary Keating
Author’s Note: I wrote this ekphrastic poem last month for Rattle’s monthly challenge. I chose a form where the stanzas get one line shorter each time until the last stanza is one word to mimic dwindling resources. I didn’t win the challenge but thought it would be fun to share it with you. If you feel inclined, let me know what you think or would have written.
