A Poem About Joe Hills
A piece for Hermit Horrors, inspired by the magnificent art of @ghostpajamas, which you can admire right here!
“My name is Joe Hills of Nashville, Tennessee!” The man staggers forwards, smiling with glee. “You must be new here, do you need any aid?” (The gleam of his glasses quite bright in the shade.)
“I’m somewhat lost, do you know the way?” (You’re rather unnerved by his unsteady sway.) “I do know the way as a matter of fact,” (Every word that he spoke was honeyed with tact.)
“Then please if you would, get me out of this place!” You gesture around at the town’s dingy space. Joe nods sagely, face drawn with a smile. “Then please follow me, for we must make a mile.”
The distant town recedes as you walk, The cornfields growing more ragged per stalk. A distant grove looms into view, “This is the way,” Joe assures you.
You walk through the woodland, trunks twisted and black, In the darkness fell sounds, down the overgrown track. As you trek down the trail a green light starts to glow, The brightest of blazes centred around Joe.
You take a step back and prepare to run, Souls twisting and turning as they blaze like the sun. “What the hell are you?!” You shout out in fear, Joe turns about and gives you a leer.
“As the earth keeps on turning and time keeps its tick, God pulls on us a nasty old trick. Destined to die from our very first breath, Thousands have prayed for a swift end to death.”
“We are Joe Hills, for that once was our name, And forever we’ll live as one and the same. Here’s our suggestion to you our new friend: Join us or meet your eventual end.”
You step back at the unconcealed threat, “If it’s all the same Joe, I’ll take the regret.”
Joe smiles at you, and many spoke with one voice: “My friend…I’m afraid you don’t have a choice.”
