Subterranean Forces
by Maria Rivera Held

Cradled within

The abysmal womb of titan

Earth. Rest, lil babe,

Of brimstone and flame.

Sleep, beloved child of Lucifer.

Worldly flesh teeter careful.

Don't upset the spawn;

Do not dare alert Father.

Sleep, precious soul of Misery.

Cushioned by

Orange kindle of

Sweet home. Laugh, young one

Of pandemonium.

Giggle, tiny infant of Abaddon.

Tender lives quake

At every movement;

Tremble at the mention of Father.

Giggle, little tyke of Inferno.

Clutched to

The chest of Father

Dearest. Whimper, sweet kitten

Of purgatory.

Cry, little bundle of Hatred.

Frail fools shield

Their ears from salty tears;

Bow and scrape and Father's feet.

Cry, darling poppet of Hell.

Comforted by

Familiar stench of rotten

Lives. Quiet, dark angel

Of Limbo.

Shush, damned whelp of suffering.

Weak peasants ask mercy

From swallowing rage;

Beg of Father, make it end.

Shush innocent nymph of Torment.