Cellar

He forgot to padlock the cellar door Perhaps now I can discover What it is he does below our kitchen floor That he keeps secret from my mother. I flick the switch but find no light That just inflames this kittens curiosity So I descend the stairs into the dead of night Now lurking far below me . A spider scurries across my hand Then I hear the scurrying of mice Too late for screams, I've played my hand If I lose I pay the price. I feel around the cellar wall My eyes desperate to adjust Longing to hear my mother call but continue on I must. Wait! Wait! what is this? Another switch I've found Light flickers in this dark abyss I hear my own heart pound. that step ladder should not be there What are you hiding dad? I want to look but do I dare Its then I see that I've been had. Devilish faces jump out at me I scream and turn to run Then I hear them laughing hysterically and there stood dad with mum. Poem inspired by viewing a painting by Stephanie Deshpande entitled , ''Exploring the cellar ''