Poetry Day: The Grinner

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Charles Yallowitz

Cheshire Cat from American McGee’s Alice

(Just a creepy one, I think.)

I come upon the scene
Glass strewn
Metal twisted
A pool of curdled oil
That I mistake as blood

It is a grisly sight
Bathed in the siren strobe
And I blindly look ahead
To see a curious sight
Which others seem to pass

A simple man
Wrinkled and worn
Strolling by the scene
Carrying an umbrella
On this cloudless day

He gazes at the wreckage
A tightened grin
Stretched across his face
Reaching up to eyes
That burn like darkest pits

I wonder why he watches
His molasses gait
Dragging him by inches
As if he is drawn
To the pain within the street

The grinning man turns
I catch a subtle glimpse
That chills my spine
And passes as I go
Leaving all behind

About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.

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