Preying At The Ten Bells
Poem by Thomas Coston
As the night creeps in,
Smoke from London's hearths descend,
Swirling - dancing with the fog,
Haloing gaslights with a thickened haze,
Cloaking a flash of a six inch blade
Shadows become a blackened abyss
Frightened stragglers scurry to a place that's secure and bliss.
For a murderous madman has terrorized this den
Of prostitution and the criminally bent.
On the East End, where self-respect isn't known,
Lives poverty and predation in a marriage of woe.
Four pence for a bed in public housing
To be turned out if you're short a farthing.
Compassion isn't known on these cobblestone streets.
Christ Church is Whitechapel's only sanctuary;
An edifice that towers over a public house
Where denizens of the East End are known to carouse.
‘Tis a place a predator can come to prey
To exalt in bawdy hymnals with a drink.
Espying whores for a sacrificial blade.
At The Ten Bells there are plenty to slay.
A gal must work in these desperate times.
A stiff drink will help her fortify
To face the darkness into the phantom's abode.
A peril everyone on the East End knows.
Off goes Mary Jane Kelly,
A green-eyed lass that's somewhat pretty.
She hesitates at the threshold and takes a deep breath
Wish her well on her business endeavor
And pray she doesn't encounter Jack the Ripper.
Topic(s) of this poem: history, london, murder, terror
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Thanks to all who took the time to read and comment on my poem. This is the first time I've had my work featured as a member poem. Who knows if it will happen again. Again, thanks for your gracious comments.
Report ReplyKeen observations noted and created in poem, Most deserving this choice by Poem Hunter and Team, I have enjoyed every line in this marvelous poem.
Report ReplyCONGRATULATIONS as The Member Poem Of The Day.5 Stars full vote.
The scenes and observations very well captured, since I know London too.
But poet Thomas Sir. likes bit eerie things as a true citizen of London, the poet's conclusion in the last line of the last stanza. Wonderful!
‘Tis a place a predator can come to prey
Report ReplyTo exalt in bawdy hymnals with a drink.
Espying whores for a sacrificial blade.
At The Ten Bells there are plenty to slay.....great write about the terrorizing mind thru the thick darkness of night beside the holiness of mind; your descriptive words are very thrilling to read; congrats for being selected as POD...5****
An exceptionally well-written poem depicting London's Whitehapel and the terrible things that went on there.
Report ReplyThis is extremely sad!
Report ReplyWell done and congratulation's to you Thomas.
Report ReplyYour poem most deserving of Member Poem of the Day.
And this is the first time a more than finely written/imagined darkness poem to any recollection has earned that accolade.
For that, again the highest salutations and kudos to you Thomas.
You are the best writer of horror/darkness on this site, thank you and take care.
Very entertaining, Thomas!
Report ReplyCongrats on poem of the day!
Thought provoking....a poignant write! Many congratulations for this great work of yours being featured today as Poem of the Day! Top 🌟
Report ReplyShadows! !
Report ReplyBlackened abyss! !
With the muse of Jack the Ripper!
Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
All the marks of a multiple member. Not knowing whether you are a yank or a pommie. Photo waste of space.
Report ReplyA well crafted poem of the day.
Report ReplyFull of drama and suspense.
A thriller indeed. Congrats
on your featured piece...5 stars*****
I was the first to comment on this poem about a week ago. Now I write to congratulate the poet for the well deserved honour of having his poem selected as the 'Member Poem of the Day'!
Report ReplyThomas another mesmerizing great write that makes the reader feel transported back to Whitechapel for your poetry reels in every viewer and takes them on a dark journey.
Report ReplyA superb write! And poor Mary Kelly was the Ripper's last victim and with such a terrible demise.
Thanks Thomas for writing and sharing this dark and most descriptive poem.
Take care and five diabolical bible-black stars.
Great for Ripper enthusiasts and very well written
Report ReplyA terrible situation indeed!
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