The Truth About Tigers

occasional musings and free verse poetry, approximately



Drumbeat of Surrender

The sound of ten-thousand boots marching away
from the line of battle taps a hopeless rhythm.
Another defeated army of dreamers, lockstep with
the inevitable drumbeat of surrender, long shadows
stealing snatches of pavement in the twilight of fading ideals.

Self-appointed judges judge the actions of the fallen few,
while true-believers and novelty-seekers find themselves
crushed under waves of pervasive mundanity.
On grunge-soaked streets and moon-brushed shores
fade tomorrow’s bright minds, yesterday’s youthful spirits.

The bitter northwest wind whispers, then wails
the pedal-distorted chords of restless specters.
And love-buzzed hearts, once fully in bloom,
lie tempered on a plain of truth-covered insecurities
amidst distant half-memories of a lithium-soaked sacrifice.


Written in response to Melissa Lemay’s prompt over at d’Verse Poet’s Pub. I’m a day late, as I spent the bulk of yesterday traveling on various planes, between various airports, on my way home from Chicago, but I wasn’t going to miss a Nirvana inspired writing prompt! Happy belated birthday, Kurt.

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Responses

  1. K.F. Hartless Avatar
    K.F. Hartless

    Bravo. So many snippets incorporated, and the details really pay homage to the Cobain’s unique style.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you so much, KF!

      Like

  2. Melissa Lemay Avatar
    Melissa Lemay

    This is so good. I wanted to pick out a couple parts I really liked, but I just like the whole thing. Lithium is (I think) one of their best songs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thanks, Melissa! Great idea for a prompt! Lithium is awesome. My favorite is probably “Lounge Act,” or “Something in the Way” or “Milk It” or “Dumb”— it’s a bit like picking a favorite Beatles song, totally depends on current mindset and mood! But though it wasn’t one of the options, I just had to sneak a line from LA in there. Thanks again for the inspiration and compliments!

      Like

  3. Yvonne Osborne Avatar
    Yvonne Osborne

    I agree, I wasn’t going to miss a Nirvana-inspired post, but I almost did! Love the grunge-soaked streets and those self-appointed judges…another defeated army of dreamers which feels like “us”.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Indeed, Yvonne. Thank you so much for you compliment. I just read your poem, “The Newspaper City,” and I was blown away. Well done!

      Like

  4. dorahak Avatar
    dorahak

    Wonderful how you’ve played off Cobain’s style! Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you so much, Dora. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    This is a wonderful summary of the Cobain¨s complete work… so many songs i like and remember.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you, Bjorn. This one was fun to write!

      Like

  6. 🌎 mágico 🪄 Avatar
    🌎 mágico 🪄

    Beautiful ❤️💗💯

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thank you!

      Like

  7. SiriusSea Avatar
    SiriusSea

    Perfection, Nick !! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nick Allison Avatar
      Nick Allison

      Thanks, SS. I enjoyed writing this one!

      Liked by 1 person

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