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King of the Wild Night

Fantastic Las Vegas,
With rain soaked streets.
His face grimacing from the cold  mist,

he places the sunshine in his mouth,

then he takes flight. 

 

The maze of noise,

and the haze of sorrow and joy,

passes him by in traces of Eden.

 

Walking past the fortune tellers and gamblers who want to shoot the moon, 

stepping on wild orchids to protect the dandelions from being blown to the sky.

 

Tip-toeing down the road, so not to wake the priest,

who waits to drown him in blessed water, 

while the prostitute performs his holy ceremonies in the church of perpetual tears.

 

Looking past the fire that destroyed the one arm bandits,

rolling up his sleeve in the forsaken shooting gallery's,

where politicians conspire against him.

 

Mulling thru the endless yamer of congratulations,

with the morning at hand, comes four aces and a king of the wild night. 

 

  

Author notes

dream like fiction about gambling and L.S.D. in Las Vegas

Please tell me what you think

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Comments

1 - 71 of 71

  • ChelseySmile
    December 23

    Edit | Reply
    Nice imagery.
    Splendid ending.

    Gambling and LSD in Las Vegas?

    Sounds like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas".
    Loved that movie. ♥

  • shattered gypsy
    November 1

    Edit | Reply
    Can't say I've been to Vegas and gotten high on LSD and gambaled and such..........lol. Great story, even more great imagery.

    Mylee

  • lindaburns
    July 28
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    Gambling and LSD. Hhhmmm. Reads like a good representation.


  • Cyanide Milkshake
    July 26
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    If you can explain to me how this fits in with my particular contest I will keep it in, because I liked reading this. It has a certain Blake-quality to it, in places. I liked the ending also. But I'm not enitrely sure what it is you want to try before its too late.

  • Who Came Third
    July 23

    Edit | Reply
    More great stuff! loved the imagery and the flow,and how its populated with different characters: the one arm bandits, fortune tellers and gamblers. Sounds a bit like a surreal carnival, or one of those old traveling medicine shows.

  • Patpowersnoshoepoet gold member
    July 15

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    Thank you your majesty!

    First time I came across this one Lowell! Quite a work of life in Las Vegas through your pen! Thanks for presenting a good poem from your collection!
  • Hungry Joe
    July 14

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    Wow. little bit fear and loathing, little bit midnight cowboy. And some drug-inspire obsessive-compulsive disorder? "protect the dandelions from being blown to the sky." Only line I didn't really like was "church of perpetual tears" - Probably too often used in senseless angst.
    Certainly a hamartiatic, underblown hero. Great write


  • Highwaytraveller
    July 14

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    hey!!! you entered the poem in the wrong gcontest!! this was the LOS ANGELES one, not las vegas.!!!! im dq ing you, pls enter in the correct contest soon!

  • IrishGypsyRose silver member
    July 11

    Edit | Reply

    Sweet!

    It is remeniscent of the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" lol. I love the rythme and flow. It seems to be a well thought out piece, or is this another one of those you puked out of nowhere lol. Great write and an enjoyable read. ~gypsy~

  • pattyann4500
    July 8

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    Well, I would definitely say it would be LSD in Vegas. Very interesting. Thank you very much for your entry. Patricia
  • Patpowersnoshoepoet gold member
    May 21
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    The imagery and the words tell the story in this one Lowell! Good work again on life in Las Vegas. Thanks again!!


  • 2lullabyhaven
    May 13
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for your entry and good lucklol

  • TheDemonEve
    April 16

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    Well, I could try to pick a favourite line, but to do so, I'd have to copy and paste the entire piece. This is beautifully crafted, imaginative and on the ridge of being incomprehensible, with the true meaning concealed in the shadows of your mind. There is something so dark and delicious in this piece, and it flows around the thought processes like silk. This is a VERY fine piece, one of my favourites from you, without a doubt. Wondrously done!


  • Lotus-Mama silver member
    April 2

    Edit | Reply
    This poem is great! Rich and vivid! I love the lines:

    "His face grimacing from the cold mist,
    he places the sunshine in his mouth,
    then he takes flight."

    "stepping on wild orchids to protect the dandelions from being blown to the sky."

    "Tip-toeing down the road, so not to wake the priest,
    who waits to drown him in blessed water,"

    Well thats almost the whole thing, lol. Great work, I also love love love the ending line!!





  • Yvette Champ gold member
    February 21

    Edit | Reply
    Imagery has clarity, emotions meander from excitement to undercurrents of something, something akin to threads of Catholicism, as if the poet is seeking the thrill and yet recognizes the real deal for the soul.Particularly liked the phraseology of "he places the sunshine in his mouth" for a beaming, neon lit smile.

  • cerridwen
    February 21

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    stepping on wild orchids to protect the dandelions from being blown to the sky <---- this line was the most significant line in the whole poem to me. I loved it. It makes the point to me of how sometimes we step all over something precious for something fleeting.
    I love this poem, it is truly remarkable.
  • Zyskandar A Jaimot
    February 21

    Edit | Reply
    think the 'muling' should be 'mulling' in last stanza good solid write the 'mysterious stranger' tiptoes the priest close by the church of perpetuasl tears - don't ya just luv vegas? thanks for sharing regards zajg

    . Rewarded 4


    • Lowell Poe
      February 21
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you dear friend.
      I have corrected that.
      Thanks for taking time from your life to read my work.
      The greatest compliment,
      weather ya liked it or not.
      You took the time with an oped mind.
      I shall do the same.

      MANY MANY BLESSINGS,
      LOWELL POE

  • Lady Altheia
    February 12

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    Well Las Vegas certainly can be sin city. What yiu all described is true and it is a dream. All dreams must come to an end.

  • grannyeri gold member
    February 11

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    Must be all the sparkling lights that make one see Las Vegas this way - or is it something else. Vegas by night and Vegas by day - the gambling casinos and the rural areas - tow different places all together. Sunshine in his mouth - sure takes him on a wild ride.

    . Rewarded 6

  • smOOth 1ne
    February 7

    Edit | Reply

    Interesting write

    Seems like there should have been more blotto in your blotter, but the sense of place and activity is well displayed in this. Nice job.

    . Rewarded 4


  • TheCrazyBeautiful
    December 14, 2007

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    "he places the sunshine in his mouth,
    then he takes flight."

    Nice lines


  • XxXAmazed MeXxX
    December 14, 2007

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    Great write, I love the way that the words all flow together. The thought put into this write is awesome. Keep up the wonderful penning
    Brit Brit

  • AlwaysbeBIG
    December 14, 2007

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    Impressive :)

    Imagery done decently will show someone a picture....Imagery done great will do that, make them read it again, and give them a better image the second time...Truly, Lowell, you have a lot of talent, and it's evident in every piece you write....Of all the ones I've read by you so far, I think there's only one I didn't like as much as the rest, but it was still really good!!


    "Tip-toeing down the road, so not to wake the priest,
    who waits to drown him in blessed water,
    while the prostitute performs his holy ceremonies in the church of perpetual tears."

    Those lines were REALLY cool Keep it up, and continue to be blessed.


    Take care, friend



    Brandon Spalletta

  • Sean Ottoson
    October 20, 2007
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    I wasn't going to read this, but I started and then couldn't stop. suffice it to say, it's good.


  • EternitysLastWish
    September 10, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    They say that the perfect poem does not make the viewer read a sentence, but feel it. This piece is a perfect example. In the first stanza, I did not simply read about rain and mist, but I felt the rain on my feet and the mist on my face. Also, you use such decorative vocabulary that every sentence is like a new picture painted in front of my eyes. You are very, very skilled.

    Well done and keep it up!
    ELW


  • JinSays gold member
    August 29, 2007

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    L.S.D. and Vegas...ahhman! This is something I haven't read before, and I gotta tell ya, I really like it. I was expecting more sway towards the song...but alas...lol.
    Here's a kiss,
    Jin

    . Rewarded 4


  • Devils Reject
    August 21, 2007
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    this reminds me of being in vegas. i love it


  • Poet Muse gold member
    August 7, 2007
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    Reigning Supreme...

    A loser in disguise is all the rage in this town - this is no dream, but Las Vegas tourism at its finest!!! A great piece (this is one ugly road trip I'll have to miss on my next trip to NV)... As they say here on AP, write on, shine on, Poet!!!


  • GlowstickOfLove
    July 25, 2007
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    This is soo coolies :]

    ♥--T.R

  • dendriapyro
    July 25, 2007

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    wow! Well depicted. It flowed nicely. I could almost see what that kind of trip would be like. Good job.


  • Walking Tall
    July 25, 2007

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    heh i love it =)
    it's obscure and abstract but it all ties into something. great metaphoric world you created =)
    Congrats
    SeeJ


  • jonestown tea silver member
    July 25, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I like this even though it was a little too wordy in places. I was transferred to Las Vegas. I was with you when you was tiptoeing down the street so not to wake up the priest. I was with you every step of the way.

    I saw an error at the beginning that I will point out to you.

    'Fantastic Las Vegas.,'

    should be

    'Fantastic Las Vegas,'

    Thanks for sharing this with us.

  • Zephyr Aryn
    July 25, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Were you trying to describe the person in the border? It almost seemed that way- because it matched perectly. " Walking pass the fortune tellers"- you might want to make pass "past". Other than that, this is pretty good.

    • Lowell Poe
      July 25, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you my friend. I do not know what you mean...person in the border?I have a made that correction, very observant.
      I will read your work.

      BLESSINGS,

      LOWELL POE.

  • HalfMeltedCrayons
    July 25, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    To make my mind fuzz as if I were not to think.

    I liked this. it was real shiny full of imagery and symbolism. Plus it reminded me of my friend who was born and raised in Las Vegas. He sounds just like this. I kid ye not.
    I really apreciated "stepping on wild orchids to protect the dandelions" because I liked the symbolism behind it. so yeah thanks, real shiny work. -D.


  • giving up on poetry
    July 24, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    good read nice flowed very well lowell poe i presume no relation to edger poe lol it was a patcuail peice but hell l.s.d is a patcular thing props for origanaility


  • Everyones Dead
    July 24, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Strange, very strange indeed. LSD, huh? Well I guess that makes sense It's a cool read, some interesting pictures...I'd like to know how many thoughts are hiding behind those pictures though...like what is meant by some of your imagery or if it's simply imagery for effect.

    Good setting at the start of the poem so as to set the stage for the rest.


  • Random Goldfish gold member
    July 10, 2007

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    Yaya! I've never been to Vegas...I don't get along with hot o_0...but this poem and a hand full of movies make it a very real place to me. I like how all these images fill the desert with life!

  • Poetdontknowit
    June 30, 2007

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    BRILLIANT

    I have been to Las Vegas twice, second time I won a free trip. But........... I've never been there on LSD, lol. I love your imagery and use of fabulous vocabulary. Great piece you have penned here! VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!
    POETDONTKNOWIT


  • The CheshireKat
    May 11, 2007

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    all the biblical references are well-placed. they have a particular effect, like drugs and gambling are this guys religion. further reinforced by the mention of passing by the preist. i liked this line, and i see so did a few others:
    "while the prostitute performs his holy ceremonies in the church of perpetual tears."

    now that could be an actual prostitute, or it could be a reference to Mary Magdalene, or it could be both. most likely it is simply the first, but it calls that imagery to mind.

    "rolling up his sleeve in the forsaken shooting gallerys,"

    obvious meaning and yet manages not to be trite. congratulations! that's a great line.

    i have to be a geek now and say that some of this made me think of CSI Vegas.


  • AshleyInWonderland
    May 2, 2007

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    Fantastic

    I am a big fan of Fear & Loathing (I did a painting of the cover of the book). Your poem calls up such vivid and colorful images, the way Hunter S. Thompson can, but don't fear that I'm grouping you in with him or any other; I recognize that you have your very own sincere talent.

  • ajalee
    May 1, 2007
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    Reminds me of "Fear and Loathing." It's like stepping into a "lizard lounge" with Jim Morrison!

  • Violent Messiah
    April 3, 2007

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    You have a gift. I really like the line "...while the prostitute performs his holy ceremonies in the church of perpetual tears..." Again Great job.


  • Farshid Rezaee
    March 30, 2007
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    Wonderful Visualization

    I really enjoyed reading your poem. Excellent use of imagery and metaphorical language in portraying a dark and horrifying picture of city life. Thanks for sharing.
    Would you mind reading my poem "Life Imitates Art"? I would appreciate your comments.http://allpoetry.com/poem/2363531

  • esroddo silver member
    March 1, 2007

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    So creative and such talent

    Awesome use of metaphors it creates an kind of dark image. I love the words you used in this amazing write. (Lisa)
    "Tip-toeing down the road, so not to wake the priest,

    who waits to drown him in blessed water,

    while the prostitute performs his holy ceremonies in the church of perpetual tears."


  • penciledlives
    January 8, 2007

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    Nice! The dreamy haze of this world, but there are also clear, sharp shards of reality injected into this piece. Keep writing!

    -Christa


  • Meet Virginia
    January 8, 2007
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    Wow, I love this. Fantastic imagery! It really is so Vegas. Great job.

  • signum-io
    January 8, 2007

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    There is this darkness about this work that I really like. Personally, I would not say that this is one of the best that I have read. But the topic the work has is quite good. There was this rush that I felt while I was reading it. It felt so daring.While, as I have mentioned before, this is not the best I've seen, this tackles quite a different story. Not a lot of poems could do that. Because of that, I like it.

    Keep writing. :-)


  • Your Darkness
    January 5, 2007

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    Amazing

    This is probably the most original poem I have ever read, completely amazing how you put it together and made me feel intoxicated just reading it. This is an absolutely wonderful write and you NEED to keep up the good work!

    P.S. If you wrote it any better I would be on my way to Vegas as we speak. =P


  • BreezeMeThrough
    January 4, 2007

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    amazing, amazing! i absolutely adore how you were able to take las vegas and transform it convery it well as well as convey the person walking in this fog state and not completely in the right mind. all the metaphors are absoutley amazing.
    great job!

  • luvdrkchocolate
    January 1, 2007

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    Wow. This is a pretty cool piece that you have going here. I like this one a lot. You took a moment and a guy walking down the street and you really brought it to life for me. And you were so colorful in your words and metaphors that I found myself smiling and really enjoying it. You did a good job.

  • PainfulPleasures
    December 31, 2006
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    Wicked.

    Great use of metaphors; it creates an awesome image. Wonderful write, hope to see more soon.

  • Dark Magician
    December 27, 2006

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    kewlness

    This was really kewl. It had great flow and rhythm. For the ten millionth time, I really really like your writes. Great write and Great job!!!

  • Ethereal One gold member
    December 27, 2006
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    great metaphors

    You have described Las Vegas using such powerful and creative metaphors. "Placing the sunshine in his mouth", "stepping on wild orchids to protect the dandelions from being blown to the sky."
    Great write!

    Ethereal Melody


  • toasted-lemming
    December 27, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    Nice, I write druggy/altered perception stuff myself, but more in order to provide an abstract representation of everyday objects than to describe a sequence like this...think broard brush strokes to your suggestions of interconnected scenes.
    'Stepping on orchids to protet the dandilions' - what a great image!


  • ZestyDreams
    December 26, 2006

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    My favorite part was "Tip-toeing down the road, so not to wake the priest,

    who waits to drown him in blessed water,

    while the prostitute performs his holy ceremonies in the church of perpetual tears."

    Great write! Keep it up!


  • HisOneTrueLove6107
    December 25, 2006
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    Wow... amazing!


  • Heropsychodreamer
    December 23, 2006

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    This is a great poem, with amazing imagery and Wicked usage of metaphor. The way you get the idea across is perfectly done. A lot of the lines jump off the page(screen lol) at you when you read them, and I'm pretty sure my favorite is the one about stepping on wild orchids to protect the dandelions. Awesome stuff.

  • Yvette Champ gold member
    December 23, 2006
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    Ooh,temptation,religion and the thrill of four aces,king for the knight or king for a night.Wondered if preform was meant to be perform?
    Liked the traces of eden and shooting for the moon,it has perplexed me why man feels that the moon is the new eden when we have all that we need here to be in paradise.
    It turns man into one arm bandits themselves,this thrill seeking of four signs that are equal,yet we have south,east,north and west we have the earth,the sun,the moon,the stars,only when we are freed from looking for a permutation will we see the one we have in all it's glory,then it wont be viva las vegas but viva paradise on earth.
    Reminds me of the millions who invest in a piece of paper with numbers on and buy the right to dream of winning the lottery,they have lost sight of the fact that the only guarantee in life is of one's number being up at journey's end,to negate all that is priceless whilst trying to win enough money to buy items that are deemed priceless...
    A thought provoking write within this slice of life mixing reality with realism and religion,love and light,Yvette


  • TwilightPanther Moderators member
    December 23, 2006

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    WOW

    Even in this haze the reality of the world we live in came through,such as the priest and the prostitute.steping on orchids and protecting the dandelion.Separating the real form the unreal.The king of the wild night sees only the wrong around him yet to the world he is the one who is wrong.

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