{"id":2410,"date":"2017-01-14T15:09:11","date_gmt":"2017-01-14T23:09:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/?p=2410"},"modified":"2017-01-17T16:39:13","modified_gmt":"2017-01-18T00:39:13","slug":"the-evil-within-the-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/?p=2410","title":{"rendered":"The Evil Within The City"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evil Within The City<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I am riding through the forest on horseback.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Plenty of leaves and stuff to cover my track.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The sky is darkening. A storm is coming.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I find a place that looks becoming.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I pitch my tent. Cover it with a tarp.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I finish just as the rain begins to start.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I wait inside for the rain to end.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There is no one else, so why pretend.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

99.9% of all humanity\u00a0is gone.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The catastrophe has lasted so long.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t seen another in eight months.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Those left are gathered in a bunch.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI am on a pilgrimage to New York.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is great evil there.”, I retort.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Then I set out on my way.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I am still headed there today.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I may stay here for the winter.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There is a river that is near here.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I\u00a0trap and fish for my food.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I even eat roots when in the mood.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The winters are rough with all the snow.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Food is scarce now, don\u2019t you know.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Spring came and it was time to prepare.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The towns and villages are\u00a0everywhere.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They are vacant. Little left that is useful.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I found enough to make weapons though.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I had to forge my own sword and knives.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I made a crossbow that was very nice.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I would follow the river to New York.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There are no laws or any courts.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I will find this evil that calls to me.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I will kill it and then be free.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I have no idea what it is.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A transformed human? Whatever it is.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It is very strong, mentally and more.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It reaches to within my very core.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I must succeed for all mankind.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

No one can live with \u2018it\u2019 in their mind.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The days pass on into summer.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It is warm and there\u2019s lots to plunder.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I am getting well fed now.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

My strength is building up, somehow.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I finally reach the city limits.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I have miles to go within it.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The evil is in the heart of the city.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I hope it doesn\u2019t have a committee.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I can sense no others as I ride along.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It knows I\u2019m coming. It won\u2019t be long.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The closer I get the more I can feel.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There are others. He makes them knell.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know how I can get to him.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He has a small army of men.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Finally, I realize where he is.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The Empire State Building. Top floor is his.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He can reach very far out from there.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Mentally, he is everywhere.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He is drawing all men to him.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

To answer to his beckoned whim.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I hear him, but I have my own will.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I hope I can hold out till the kill.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Now, this close, I know what he is.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He is responsible for all of this.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He was messing with the genetics of man.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make them immortal, if I can.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

His experiment went all wrong.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He created carriers that destroyed the throng.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

His serum also altered a virus.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It spread in humans like a wild fire crisis.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He made changes and tried it on himself.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The results were horrible. I know how he felt.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think he is human now.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He\u00a0became super strong, somehow.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

His brain power is, by far, the worst.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He can control all others. Make them thirst.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Make them dance, make them laugh.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Make them come to where he\u2019s at.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They bring him water and food.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Whatever he wants. They can\u2019t elude.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I can resist, but for how long?<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He is mad that\u00a0I can still get along.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The few that survived the plague, you see,<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

had a lot of new abilities that shouldn\u2019t be.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Some could mentally talk with animals.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Others could read minds like a manual.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Other mental abilities were displayed.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Levitation, crop motivation, relayed.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

But, none had strength and control like him.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He could know all minds through thick and thin. <\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

How can I get to him when he knows all I do?<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll figure a way.—– I\u2019m not a fool.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

If he thinks I will surrender to him.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There may be a chance I can win.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

His minons will bring me to him face to face.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I feel he will slam me all over the place.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Yet, I have to take the chance.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Or, no one will ever find romance.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I have a girl waiting for me.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Or, under his control. I must set her free.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

She is probably headed here now.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Like all others, even animals, somehow.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

His minions are coming. I feel them close.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I could avoid them, just like a ghost.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

But, I must go with them for my plan.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I hide my weapons and walk like a man.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

My weapons are on me under my clothes.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Hidden on me from my head to my toes.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I can keep them from searching me at all.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I have some mental skills after the fall.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Mine are much like his, though weaker.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

That is why I was called The Seeker.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know if they are enough.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Pulling this off is going to be tough.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They take me up to the very top.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A lot of climbing with a lot of stops.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He is waiting in his throne room.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The sun forces away the gloom.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Male minions to do all\u00a0his bidding.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They get for him whatever he thinks fitting.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The female minions were all naked.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Their modesty is totally deflated.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He sat there upon his dais.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Looking proud and pious.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Bigger than humans, with muscles bulging.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He looked at me with a look of loathing.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He was a disgusting, sickening sight.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Enough to give anyone a terrible fright.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019ve finally saw the light.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cBeg for forgiveness with all your might.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI am Lord and Master here.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI am a God, who all should fear.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cThis world is my world now.”<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cAll will bow a knee to me, somehow.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cIf they don\u2019t, then they are dead\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI can mentally blow up their head.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you? Drop to your knees now.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cPledge your allegiance to me and cowl.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I dropped and pledged my allegiance.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I begged for forgiveness with antecedents.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He had me rise and stepped off his throne.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

His mental pressure was making me moan.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Then, quick as lightening, I moved apart.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I whipped out my sword and drove it into his heart.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

All the minions froze right where they were.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A mental blast, I thought I was dead for sure.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t last as he fell to the floor.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I came close to do one last chore.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I lopped off his head with one mighty blow.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

That put a final end to his show.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The minions were suddenly free.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They were as happy as they could be.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The women quickly clothed themselves.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The men asked me if I needed help.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They kept thanking and praising me.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I said I am nobody, as they could see.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They took the body and threw it off the roof.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Like King Kong, who was not bullet proof.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

They wanted to know what to do now?<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I said they could survive, somehow.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Time to prosper and repopulate the city.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Make it look alive and pretty.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I slipped away when I could.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Headed for my home in the wood.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I whistled and my horse came running.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready to do some hunting?\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I headed on the long track home.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I soon found I was not alone.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It was people who were under his spell.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Also heading home now, and doing well.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Another year passed and I finally found her.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The love of my life, waiting, for sure.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

She knew I was still alive and well.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

She had been through a living hell.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

He kept drawing her toward New York.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

She had made it to a major fork.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Then, his control disappeared.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

She headed for home again in fear.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t know if it was over.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Soon though, it was crimson and clover.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A few months later I arrived.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

That is when we both came alive.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Years have passed since that mighty quest.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Our children will tell you about all the rest.<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

———————————-R. W. Johnson—–(2017)<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evil Within The City I am riding through the forest on horseback. Plenty of leaves and stuff to cover my track. The sky is darkening. A storm is coming. I find a place that looks becoming. I pitch my tent. Cover it with a tarp. I finish just as the rain begins to … Continue reading The Evil Within The City<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,16,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fantasy","category-free-bird-poetry","category-random"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2410"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2410\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2420,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2410\/revisions\/2420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordsmithwisdom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}