
Black Petals
Horror/Science Fiction Magazine
July 15th, 2026
Issue # 116

Cailleach: Poem by Chris Friend
Cailleach
Chris Friend
She wears a veil of blood
And the shroud of winter
Grand old dame of death
Freezing the land with her oak staff
And holding it in the frosty grip of winter
Chris Friend is a multidisciplinary artist known for his dark and strange ink drawings, influenced by horror and surrealism. His style is influenced by renowned artists such as H.R. Giger, Zdzislaw Beksinski, Joan Miro and Allen Koszowski, as well as filmmakers like Clive Barker and David Cronenberg. This eclectic mix of influences contributes to his unique artistic voice, which blends rounded, swirly forms with sharp, intricate details, creating a captivating visual experience that often explores themes of horror and the surreal.
Hailing from Union, West Virginia, Chris has been active in the art scene for over two decades, particularly in the realm of small press horror zines. His work reflects a deep engagement with the darker aspects of imagination, inviting viewers to explore the strange and macabre.