Salvation: Friday the 13th and Knights Templar

The story of the Knights Templar has always been one that has given me inspiration in writing. This was never more evident than when I crafted an entire epic poem, Salvation, centered on this legendary group. That idea was spawned long ago by this poem I penned in honor of Friday the 13th, where the Knights Templar take center stage.

If you don't know, on Friday, October 13th, 1307, French king Philip IV the Fair ordered the mass arrest of Knights Templar in the Kingdom of France. This event is considered by some to be the origin of the superstition about Friday the 13th being an unlucky day. The Knights Templar were accused of numerous crimes including heresy and treason. The end of the Knights Templar began on this day dreadful day. 

Triskaidekaphobia

Such a dark day in the world
Leaders defiled
The protectors destroyed in your name
Not by the masses that follow
But, from the hypocrisy of medieval royalty
For what - your secrets?
Jealousy? Fear?
Maybe it was just their shame from following the false prophet
The sinner who hid behind his disciples
And worse, women and children
Spouting lies of redemption
Preaching abstinence instead of indulgence
Creating turmoil in the perfect world
.. ..
Through it all, you stood tall
These destroyers of forged faith were blind
Failing to harness the power of your minions
By creating a day of homage of their transgressions
They granted you eternal life
History crying tears of truths in your name
You will never be forgotten
You Baphomet, will live forever
Like the Templar’s, your followers will bleed for you
Carrying on the traditions past down by the strong
Your enigma, a mystery to most
A companion to some
A day of fear to the meek
That day is today, Friday the 13th

.. ..

Released to the Masses - Salvation: A Templar's Quest for Redemption

With all of the excitement last week of finally seeing my first novel After the Static released, I missed talking about what is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. I love poetry, especially the epic verse contained in classics such as Inferno and Paradise Lost. This past April, as part of National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo 2017), I challenged myself to create my own epic tale and accomplished it with my next release Salvation: A Templar’s Quest for Redemption.

While this in no way could ever measure up to those classics, it is an interesting journey back in time for one member of the Knights Templar in an attempt to save their order from persecution. Sure, this one is only 30 Canto’s long, but it is a fun journey into darkness and another addition into the world of The Ridge.

Here is a synopsis of the epic poem:

Are the end times near? That is a sentiment shared by many throughout the centuries. That is also a refrain that forced Pope Anacletus to send one of his devout Knights Templar on a quest to ancient Levant in search of Baal, Moloch, and the Scepter of Golden Light in an attempt to redeem his order in the eyes of a splintered and corrupt church. Does he succeed, did he find Salvation, or was he overwhelmed in the depths of Hell?

If interested in reading this or After the Static, they are both on Amazon. You can pick up a paperback of Salvation for $6.99 or download the eBook for only $.99.

Tomorrow is "Not Always What It Seems"

I know that it has been a couple days since I posted anything. In fact, the last few days have been insane, between going to the county fair, one of the best concerts I have ever seen (Bouncing Souls, Dropkick Murphys, and Rancid), and going through tech week and dress rehearsal for the play, Not Always What It Seems.

Fortunately, all that handwork with the play will soon be visible. Honestly, I can't believe that tomorrow, the actors will hit the stage at the State Theater in Uniontown for the first 10-Minute Play Festival with The Phoenix Arts Center. Once they begin, it won't be long until my first written stage play closes the show. 

This has been a major accomplishment in my writing career and it is a story that should resonate with much of the audience. Over the past few weeks, I have been able to watch the cast grow and the performances are riveting. The way the cast works together and feeds off each other is something that I could have never imagined when I first wrote the script. 

The festival is scheduled for 7 o'clock on Saturday, August 5th and 2 o'clock Sunday, August 6th. On a side note, I am still waiting on the cover design and layout of my first fiction novel, After the Static, but I am sure that will be finished soon. After that, my epic poem, Salvation, written as a NaPoWriMo project may be finished as well.

Until then, I will continue to push forth with the reviews, and who knows, possibly even write another play.