Writers Corner for December 16, 2011

TO MY OLD ENEMY

You have fought the good fight and have been a formidable opponent.

The war is far from over and the many battles that we have faced

against each other have been numerous and costly. The scattered shapes

of past alliances still lie across the landscape as if to eternally remind

me that I am truly only mortal.

The wounds that you have made me suffer and to those loved ones that

are still by my side will only make me stronger in the end when the final

battle cry will be sounded. As with all my enemies, you have earned the

most profound and utter respect from me. Your resilience and battle

hardened trust at my armor and soul has left me with fascination and

awe of your power and your willingness to sacrifice all those that stand

in your way to achieve your own selfish objective.

The fields of our battles are littered with my defeats and victories. The

last battle has been won by my courage to meet you face to face, and to

fight knowing that the Holy Spirit is by my side. I know now that my new

undying faith will never be over come by your legions.

Today I win! You are defeated and exiled. My guard is posted and will

be forever watching for your return. Until then, it is goodbye. I pray that

we never meet again.

- Jack Higens, Rathdrum

•••

Piercing the frozen night

But softly still.

The mournful wail of the evening train

Is twisting my heart at will.

I'm standing here

And I want to be there,

Wherever there may be.

That wailing song of the twilight train

Is singing its song to me.

My face against the hoary glass

As the train clacks on its way,

Into the vast and cold unknown,

Where will it be by day?

Oh I wish I was there,

I don't care where,

Just not here,

Just somewhere.

If only I could have my way!

- Heather Bean, Hayden

•••

SILENT FEAR

Tell me my kind Lord,

Why do I remain here

In this constant silent fear?

You know I have roamed,

And for yesterday I cry,

But you know how hard I try.

There is trepidation

Everywhere I look,

For as I have seen I have took.

I feel the chill of death

Leading me to my grave,

Yet I linger on like a dying slave.

Tell me my kind Lord,

Why am I still here

In this constant silent fear?

- Keith Sargent, Mullan

•••

The Press Writers Corner features original, creative writing submitted by our readers.

Send your Writers Corner submissions to Maureen Dolan, [email protected].

We prefer email submissions, and we ask that you limit the length of your stories and poems. Please include your hometown with your submission.

You can send hard-copies by mail to Maureen Dolan at The Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.