Ledger of Small Violences: A Dark Lyrical Poem of a Cursed Grimoire

I broke the ledger open; the book cried sweetly, ink bleeding from my pen like a thousand scars. The spine bound to memory and breathed out decay, a patient rot that hummed and learned the weight of me.

From its gutter a scepter tore — bone, brass, twisted steel — a skull that grinned with sutured patience like the tide. Tentacles spooled like failures, knotting the air with regret, scratching addresses on my palms in a language I did not know.

Each page offered a prayer: deluded, torn, terminal — a lock that yields, a face unmade, a name unraveled. I traded innocences and sweet tears for those mercies, by candle four I forged the rusted crown and wore it hollow.

Outside the world kept bright, ignorant of small debts; inside, the splintered eye watched and taught the alphabet of want. The scepter turned and echoed bargains signed in fresh blood: one ritual, stolen love; the witching hour folded and burned.

I begged and signed in a hand that was not wholly mine; the book kept tally, neat and small, of every lie. The tentacles counted them, bead by bead, unhurried; the skull kept silence, and when the final mercy came, hunger sang.

© 2025 Marcel Helmar. All rights reserved.

Ledger of Small Violences

Evil Poem About a Cursed Grimoire, Skull‑Scepter, and Tentacles

Ledger of Small Violences — a cursed grimoire, skull‑scepter, and writhing tentacles by Marcel Helmar.

FAQs

• What is "Cursed Grimoire" about?
  An occult short story about a found grimoire that remembers and bargains with readers, following Elijah as small favors become devastating costs.

• Who wrote this story?
  Marcel Helmar, published on Horror & Hexes.

• Is this story original and where was it first published?
  Yes — first published on Horror & Hexes.

• Can I share or republish the story?
  You may share a link; full republication or commercial use requires written permission from the author.

• Who created the accompanying illustration?
  The illustration is by Marcel Helmar and is © Marcel Helmar. Contact the author for licensing.

• What themes should readers notice?
  Memory as currency, bargains that escalate, the corrosive convenience of small favors, and objects that rewrite lives.

• How should I cite this story for academic or editorial use?
  Use author, title, site, and publication date: Helmar, Marcel. "Cursed Grimoire." Horror & Hexes, [publication date], https://horrorandhexes.com/occult-short-story-cursed-book.

• Where can I find behind‑the‑scenes notes or author commentary?
  Check the "behind‑the‑scenes" section on the same article page for drafts, inspirations, and production details.

About The Author

Marcel Helmar is a cinematic occult artist, writer, and founder of Horror & Hexes. His work blends ritual symbolism, folk horror, and studio‑grade printmaking to produce limited art drops, immersive essays, and practical ritual guides. Marcel’s writing and visual practice have been used by filmmakers, podcasters, and indie publishers to create atmosphere and authenticity; he teaches workshops on image making, lore research, and publishing for dark‑culture creators. Visitors can browse his gallery, read deep‑dive essays, or join the mailing list for exclusive drops and process notes.

© 2025 Marcel Helmar. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission