The Inner Workings of an Altered Mind: My First Inspiration by AlteredMind

I wanted to take the time out to revisit the three poems that got me into writing today. This year will mark my eleventh year of writing and I have it all to thank to one man, Christopher Vincent Metzen. An integral part of Blizzard Entertainment, as vice president of creative development, artist and writer. His work on Diablo II, particularly in the manual that shipped with the game, inspired me. His artwork was dark yet beautiful, detailed and believable, every picture, every background set the mood perfectly.. and looking at them would give you chills. Even more shocking to me, at the age of ten, was his writing. His poetry. Don’t take my word for it though. See it for yourself.

The Adept (Initiate, Part II)

I have walked the paths; the shadowed roads
that led to terror’s breast. I have plumbed the depths of
Hatred’s womb and scaled Destruction’s crest.

For every secret left unveiled, for every power learned,
I’d sell the remnants of my soul, regardless how it burned.
And still I sought a higher wisdom few could have attained.
’Though I found it, it would leave me – broken, damned and drained.

For now I find this power gained is more unto a curse.
My spirit burns with every spell and each irreverent verse.
Despite this strength and knowledge earned, I have paid a heavy toll,
Never should’ve traded power for my own immortal soul.

-C. Vincent Metzen

Long Road’s End

What fires burn within my heart and force me to contend
With the perils that await me at this tragic journey’s end?

I have walked the roads that lead to Hell, I have challenged all but Fate.
I have fought and bled and carried on just to reach this final gate.
And now the task before me looms, this dire deed undone;
I shall make my stand against the Three until the battle’s won.

What fear or wound could ever still this last defiant cry,
As I stand against the Shadow ’neath the endless burning sky?

-C. Vincent Metzen

Untitled

Which way is the right path
As I stand upon
This chaotic crossroad of hate…
How many ways
Are there to roam
On this dark and damned
Road of fate…
“There are many ways my son,
To find where the souls
Of demons remain…
But it takes only one second
Of despair
And of doubt until at last,
Your soul they will gain…
Inherit these lands,
These things,
These dreams that are yours,
Forever to adore.
For there is no life,
In the depths of chaos,
My son for you to explore.”

-C. Vincent Metzen

The day I read these very poems, is the day my eyes were opened to a world that I didn’t even know existed. My eyes could not be torn away. It fascinated me how mere words could me molded and shaped into beautiful art. Words that could speak to the soul. My curiosity forced me to explore the possibilities of this vast, alien world. And my poetry, is the story of that journey thus far. It chronicles my highs and lows, my triumphs and my failures, love, hate, betrayal.. and of course, everything in between. I hope you enjoy it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Metzen
http://www.sonsofthestorm.com/
http://www.sonsofthestorm.com/profile_metzen.html