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    Bill W
  • Bill W
  • Author
  • 03/26/2022
  • 141 Words
  • 871 Views
  • 16 Comments
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

My Prompt Stories - 2. Chapter 2: Pulse Nightclub Shooting

This is a skyscraper poem based on PT 33b. In a skyscraper poem, each stanza contains seven lines in the following pattern: 3, 6, 9, 12, 9, 6, 3 - with each number representing the number of syllables in the line. It's an easy read and I hope you enjoy it.

Pulse Nightclub
Lights dim, it’s Latin Night
Couples dancing, much drinking, last call
But things change, shots ring out, bodies fall to the floor
Patrons scramble and cower in fear
Some grab phones, dial for help
Nine-one-one

Gay Patrons
Man has rifle and Glock
Shoots quickly, hate in eyes, no pity
No one knows him, what provoked this, why such anger?
Muslim man, angered by bombings in
Muslim countries, must stop
Seeks vengeance

Hostages
Taken in a bathroom
More shot, others injured, S.W.A.T. arrives
Some flee Pulse, S.W.A.T. tries to rescue the hostages
Two flashbangs distract Omar Mateen
He moves into hallway
Is shot dead

It’s over
Much relief, much sorrow
Fifty dead, more wounded, some injured
Memories will linger, the scars will long remain
Shooter’s wife arrested, stands trial
Acquitted, not involved
Time to heal

THE END

If you enjoyed this poem, let me know by adding a comment or clicking on one of the emojis.
Thanks, Bill
Copyright © 2022 Bill W; All Rights Reserved.
  • Like 4
  • Love 5
  • Sad 9
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments

  • Popular Comment
Jaro_423
  • Popular Comment

Thanks. As you said it is an easy read. I like the discipline of the number of syllables in each line, like a haiku. The simplicity of the structure contrasts with the complex nature of the difficult and heart-rending content. Very nicely done.

You inspired me to try the format. Here's mine:

A NEW BEGINNING

My life now

A not unpleasant room

Beautiful between mountains and sea

Slowly building new connections making new friends

Dealing with the problems of old age

Learning to make do with

New limits.

  • Like 6
  • Love 4
  • Popular Comment
Bill W
  • Popular Comment
1 hour ago, Jaro_423 said:

Thanks. As you said it is an easy read. I like the discipline of the number of syllables in each line, like a haiku. The simplicity of the structure contrasts with the complex nature of the difficult and heart-rending content. Very nicely done.

You inspired me to try the format. Here's mine:

A NEW BEGINNING

My life now

A not unpleasant room

Beautiful between mountains and sea

Slowly building new connections making new friends

Dealing with the problems of old age

Learning to make do with

New limits.

Jaro, thank you for the feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed this poem, although the structure was new to me as well.  I don't attempt writing poetry as a general rule, but I liked the challenge and I thought it fit the content well.  

Nice work on your effort as well.  Keep writing.  

  • Like 8
  • Popular Comment
AC Benus
  • Popular Comment

Thanks for taking the Skyscraper-stanza challenge! If you like the form, I'd encourage you to try your hand a stand-alone Skyscraper nature poem. If you decide to try some, please remember to make the lines flow: this form is about weaving a complete thought through the seven lines from beginning to end.

Thanks again, and great work. A very touching, sad poem

  • Like 3
  • Love 3
Bill W
1 hour ago, AC Benus said:

Thanks for taking the Skyscraper-stanza challenge! If you like the form, I'd encourage you to try your hand a stand-alone Skyscraper nature poem. If you decide to try some, please remember to make the lines flow: this form is about weaving a complete thought through the seven lines from beginning to end.

Thanks again, and great work. A very touching, sad poem

Possibly, I got the form down but not the concept.  Thanks for the advice. 

  • Like 3
Bill W
5 hours ago, RafaelDe said:

Healing is tough schtuff, but with forgiveness comes peace.

For every bad, there is good

For every hate, there is love

For every despair, there is hope

 

Thank you for your words and remembrance. Enjoyed molto!!

Those are wise words indeed.  I'm glad you approved of my humble remembrance of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.  

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