By Matthew Prosise, Virginia State University
First Place Winner, Poetry, 2022 VSU English Department Writing Contest
Cry for lost and beloved Terra, for though Her chapter has closed, the story has only begun.
Cry for the Jewel of Creation, for the blessed blue marble that has been lost to the ages.
Cry for the Cradle of Mankind, for our ancient home and hearth that has been shattered and scattered to the cosmic winds.
Cry for each and every knight of the Golden Band, who stood defiant against the horde from the abyss and were consumed by the fires of Armageddon.
Cry for each and every soul lost to the horrors from beyond, every lost friend and lover, sister and brother, father and mother, daughter and son.
Cry once for Terra, and then cry no more. For the opening of this new chapter has irrevocably tied our destiny with that of the Crimson Horde, now and forever.
From this day forth, we shall know no peace.
Remember, o Scions of Man, the Beast of the Apocalypse, who in the day of reckoning cried out “Raze it. Raze it all, even to the foundation.”
Remember, o Pride of Terra, how the hordes of the Beast ravaged the Expanse, how the monsters from beyond the veil painted the stars red with blood.
Remember, o Children of Solomon, King Maximus the Grand, who stood upon the flaming peaks of Jacinto and with his last breath roared out in furious defiance against the Beast of the Apocalypse.
Remember all the monstrosities inflicted upon Humanity by the demon and have pity on him.
Pity the demon, who in his arrogance, hatred, and ignorance has soiled the most sacred garden of our Lord and Master.
Pity the demon, for he knows nothing of the glory of the Heavenly Tribunal, and thus only the cold embrace of death awaits when the swift and merciless hammer of Justice descends upon him.
Pity the demon, for he knows not that he shall soon be destroyed. Within his den of wickedness and hatred he sits, blissfully unaware that he has invoked the indomitable fury of the Lord of Justice.
But when the righteous vengeance of Mankind falls upon him, he will understand.
When the walls come crashing down upon him, he will understand.
When he sees the skies rain holy fire down upon him, he will understand.
When the Children of Solomon come forth upon wings of flame to deliver furious retribution unto him, he will understand.
When his empire of agony and despair is crushed by the Holy Wrath of the Tribunal, he will understand.
When he hears the triumphant roar of Humanity, he will understand.
When he realizes that victory’s light does not shine on him, he will understand.
When he knows that the Vengeance of Terra has come for him, he will understand.
And he will tremble.
Comments