Poem 3 in a continuing series of retelling of a classic werewolf tale:

Blood Moon Rising
by Michael Doyle

Torchlight flows and leads the way
As the full moon comes to claim the day
Are you braver than me, my heart asks
As a man among men, I fulfill my task

Life asked me to be a hero when I was unready
But, still I did my best to keep my nerves steady
Fortifying courage with that strong drink
That allowed me to move but not to think

Until one by one, I learned my errors
Shock proofed but consumed with terror
I do my best to be manly and good
Though such things are little understood

Moments take us as these do and find
All of our beliefs in the things that bind
Credit is given where credit is do
But the distinction of true courage is given to few

With the rising of the full blood moon
The wolf will come hunting for us soon
I don't wish to paint this page with gloom
But with it comes the sealing of our doom

(c) July 3, 2020  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved