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

Yule Night: Poem by Chris Friend
Yule Night
Chris Friend
The Lord of the shadows
Sitting by the fire
Warming his bones
Waiting to lead his wild hunt
Across the midwinter skies
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.