Snippets

I haven't updated in a while but I wanted to share some things I've written recently. I haven't worked out the kinks in my novel quite yet, so instead of pulling out my hair in frustration when I get stuck, I just work on other things. 

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Assassins

“Be careful with that,” Tyce said with his grizzled, raspy voice as he stoked the fire. “The edge is coated with Oleander. Very poisonous.”

Elya’s brow furrowed as she turned the dagger over in her hands.

“Ah, I see. This is for the kill then. The King?” she asked.

Tyce nodded and stopped prodding the embers. He nudged a little closer and slid his hand to her bare knee.

“Why, yes it is. Very risky, but good money. Very good.”

Elya frowned, her expression twisted with concern.

“Don’t worry dear, I’m a professional.” He gave a wry smile and caressed her leg. 

Elya puffed. “You should hire me to do it!” She mockingly prodded the dagger at him.

Tyce gave a hearty laugh. “Who would be so foolish to hire such a lovely damsel as you to be an assassin?”

Elya returned a crisp, pointed smile as she eased the dagger towards his neck.

“The King.” She said.

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Weapons

The sword does not smile

When blade cuts and stings

The mace does not dwell

on the malice it brings

The axe cannot weep

When red stains its head

The dagger cannot profit

From alley man dead

Fear not the shiv

the arrow or sling

Fear not the claymore

fit to slay kings

Fear but the Hand

and murderous sight

For anything's a weapon

when it's held just right 

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Last Words

Walking past her room I shuddered

The cold, piercing thought uncovered

The aching weakness of my shell

As I wondered what of death she’d tell

Someone called and as I feared

Her last moment was almost near

Through door I went with pounding chest

To hear sweet things from her last breath

Looking at her lying there

I lost my tongue, I found no air

Stalked by specter, scythe in hand

Her life now falling grains of sand

Longing for words to ease my mind

I came forward and hoped to find

Whispers of meaning, of soul at peace

But I only heard my own heart beat

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The first piece is kind of my interpretation of a Jeffrey Whitmore piece with a fantasy spin to it. I'd really like to become more comfortable writing in this style, it's a lot of fun. 

I've already shared the two poems with a few friends and they've given me great feedback. I really need to try and venture aware form the familiar quatrain ABAB style rhyme scheme. It's really fun for me to try and convey ideas with this structure, it's almost like a word jigsaw puzzle that I have to assemble. I'd like to try and do something a bit more modern, though. 

What do you think?