Decay

 

Blessed be.

Velumbound.

This is an evocative transmission in a contemporary, gothic style that uses dark, supernatural imagery to explore themes of global existential dread. 

Spiritual exhaustion and the predatory nature of despair.

Key Themes

The War of the Soul: 

The transmission frames current global events not just as political or physical conflicts, but as a deep spiritual battle.

A "war of the soul."

It captures a collective feeling of burnout, moral decline, and hopelessness.

Predatory Despair: 

The transmission warns that despair is actively waiting to capitalise on human suffering. 

There are forces (metaphorical or literal) that thrive and grow "rich" when humanity loses its hope.

The Loss of Hope (The Light): 

The ultimate fear expressed is the total extinguishing of "the light" (joy, goodness, or humanity), leaving vulnerable souls open to consumption.

Imagery & Metaphor 

Meaning & Effect

"The dark flies" Metaphor / Insect

Flies traditionally symbolise decay, rot, and death. 

Describing them as "dark" reinforces a looming, corrupting presence.

"Hungry grey fingers crossed"

Anthropomorphism

Giving flies "grey fingers" that are "crossed" creates a creepy, visual image. 

It suggests anticipation and malice, as if the forces of decay are wishing for human failure.

"Absorbing sad souls"

Spiritual Imagery 

This highlights a total loss of identity. 

The vulnerable, "sad souls" aren't just defeated; 

They are entirely consumed and erased.

"Like Morgana / The witch" 

Mythological Allusion

References Morgan le Fay (Morgana) from Arthurian legend. 

She represents dark magic, betrayal, and a powerful entity that drains or subverts the good (Camelot/the light).

Tone and Structure

The Dramatic Opening:

 The parenthetical instruction (A lone voice whispers) sets a theatrical, intimate, and eerie tone. 

It sounds like a warning delivered in secret, emphasising the isolation of the speaker.

Rhythm and Rhyme:

The piece shifts from a conversational question into a rhythmic, haunting nursery-rhyme cadence at the end (lost/crossed, souls / Morgana the witch).

This contrast makes the final warning feel punchy and memorable.

"Fighting back.

Shall we begin? 

Title. 

Decay. 

(A lone voice whispers) 

Have you really looked at what's happening globally? 

I feel you knowing the dark flies are waiting

Waiting with their hungry grey fingers crossed

Hoping and praying when this war of the soul is over

And the light has lost

They will be rich

Absorbing sad souls 

Like Morgana

The witch

(C) 

Copyright John Duffy