Tristan Robert Lange
The Necromancer: A Return
Enter the world of The Necromancer.
The poem was written long before I knew how it would evolve.
It began as an image that would not leave…a tower, a presence, something calling upward…and something answering from below.
I knew I had something then…I just didn’t know how far it would go.
I have now translated it to music in my chamber tone poem and short film of the same name.
But first...
* * *
The Necromancer
From whence the water flows
Chaotic dreams bring endless woes,
Whilst clouds form a darkened gray,
Overcasting the gaiety of day.
The dimmed, unnatural light
Renders the appearance of night.
A storm races toward the shore;
For sanctuary, none can implore.
A shadowy tower stands alone,
Its battlements like broken bone,
Aloof and foreboding in its decay
Appears an odious place to stray.
For none hither from there do go,
But the wretched beasts of ancient woe
Whose station in life is beset
Upon the carrion left desolate.
Lifeless it stands perched on high,
Its presence seems ever too nigh.
Wanton malevolence now emanates
Forth from the tower\'s foreboding gates.
From yonder way it can be seen,
A light so rank, with horrid gleam.
Still within its decrepit walls,
A devil walks those cursed halls.
A necromancer—a daemon be he—
He conjures up his ghastly plea.
Tormented spirits of years gone past,
Fill their shells to the very last.
\"Arise from thy earthen sleep,\"
Cries the sorcerer within his keep.
\"Arise, Old Ones! Harken ye all,
To the design of my exigent call!\"
From beneath the earth all around,
Re-animating with a hideous sound,
Ascends a legion of cadaverous coils
Most dedicated to their evil moil.
\"Awaken to your master\'s delight,
Lumber toward humanity\'s plight.\"
The aged villain, arms in the air,
Spouts incantation, his malice bare.
The army begins its march of death,
Corrupting the air with odorous breath.
The ghouls lumbering in rotten shells,
Bring forth to the earth an unearthly hell.
* * *
The Music
Now a tone poem for piano trio, which provides the music for the short film. To stream or purchase, visit Appalachian Virtual Ensemble on Bandcamp: https://avensemble.bandcamp.com/
© 2017 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved. Written circa 2011.
First published on mypoeticside.com, February 1, 2017.
Tittu