constructing poetry

mirrored fate

I thought my fate was you,
but you were gone.
church bells tolled
your death knell,
and I was left hollow
by your absence
to wander through
forgotten alleys
and rain darkened streets,

until, lost at some forgotten shop,
unseen and overlooked,
I entered, uncaring what
I might find.
my life was dust.

I passed trunks
and jewels,
tapestries, and one
unadorned ring,
skeletal hands
beating heart rhythms,
books whose pages
whispered secrets,
swords and staves—
and nothing
spoke to me until I saw
your mirrored shadow dancing,
and I stopped.

that mirror is old,
whispered three voices
in unified discord.
beware, for he catches
those who gaze too long
singing empty promises.
he seeks someone to share
his fate.

I turned, but three
women were winking
their one eye
and turning away—
and I forgot their warning
because in that mirror
I almost saw you.

I reached to your image
touched hands through glass,
stepped through—

but you vanished
and I was trapped.
my sorrow feeds him,
he will not let me go,
and I dwindle, forgetting you
forgetting me
inside this ornate gilt frame.

Prompt for: April 28, 2016 ▼

Subject or Theme: Antiquities: A marvelous, possibly magical store, located halfway down a narrow alleyway .Meander the store and find one of the required items. What is the history behind the item? What tales might it tell? What happens when you choose it? Pick one: Antique trunk, filigreed locket with only one picture inside, intricately carved walking staff, ornate gilt framed mirror, Civil War era musket loader, a needle pointe sampler or a 'wedding ring' handmade quilt.
Word(s) to Include: forgotten, dust, hollow, knell (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): the, of, on, up, down, a, an, with, it. Do not use any contractions. (or any derivatives, compound or hyphenations of these words)
Additional Parameters: Minimum of 36 lines. Be descriptive. Rhyming or not.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description. BE SURE to triple check for forbidden words...they tend to sneak their way in!