A Castle In the Woods

Wandering lonely through the forest track,
Came into view an old castle at a distance
Its tiled roof and towering spires,
Peered through the thick foliage of leaves
Drawn to it as by a strange talisman, 
I quickly walked in its direction
Pacing down a winding ravine,
I stood before a latched gate,
With a creaking sound, the latch gave way,
Letting me into a dilapidated structure 
With Gothic windows and arched doors 

Its walls were painted grey and white.
The plaster on them bore cracks and marks.
It stood aloof on a small hillock.
The air around bore a strange scent
Owls were heard hooting aloud,
Desolate it was with none to care,
Thorny shrubs grew all around,
And tall trees shut it out from view.

Dark and dreary it stood remote,
What mysterious spell drew me into it, 
I still couldn’t fathom

Peeping through its splintered door,
Got a glimpse of the dingy rooms,
Old frames decked the walls,
Shield and armor close to winding stairs,
Sultry was the air trapped inside,
Its floor was covered with grimy dust,
Shadows moved like snakes curling,
Giant bats flew about my head,
Cobwebs hung from the checkered roof,
And strange sounds began renting the air.

I felt a tremor within my brain,
Sparks of fear darted through my vein,
Behind me, I heard a rattling sound.
Turning around, I found the phantom of a man!
Blood curdled within my veins,
My heart ticked off in drumming beats,
Though I wished to run, my legs hardly moved
I grimly sensed ‘the Thing’ upon me,
It tightened its grip around my neck,
Its sharp claws went deep into my throat.

I fell half dead on the floor with two bite marks
On my neck, gaping wide and oozing blood 


Placed Third
9. Jan. 2022
A Ghost Story Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Angela Tune
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Alex Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 10:50 PM
Very thrilling as well as fear-filled story. Very beautifully narrated. Congratulations!
George Avatar
January 14, 2022 at 5:35 AM
Thanks a lot Chris.... ! Glad you liked it !
Ahmed Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 2:19 PM
You are simply magnificent, you are magician to construct any imagery. I was completely submerged in the ghostly castle! As if I'm the one walking and feeling scared! but don't want my blood to get oozed! That's why i hate horror movies! Two bites, means it was a Dracula then!!? Enjoyed fully! Thanks - Marshall (Crossing my finger for you!!)
George Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 8:16 AM
Yikes, are you talking about me....?? The atmosphere I have created will be scary to children.... but I am sure not to you .. Any way none of us wish to be sucked by Dracula.... ( just joking) Thanks for your wonderful comment dear Marshall...
Poet Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 5:44 AM
An excellent writer with a great personality as well as a substantial lexicon, you are my dear friend Valsa! You crafted a wonderful poem with great thoughts and stunning metaphors.
George Avatar
January 13, 2022 at 8:11 AM
Who can beat you in the mastery of the lexicon.... So that compliment suits you more. Thank you deer friend for your very sweet words of appreciation !
Brown Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 2:11 PM
Your ghost story was entertaining. You seem to have been bitten by Dracula. The visions are fantastic. Enjoyed ~ Debra
George Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 7:31 PM
Thanks a lot Debra ! Glad you liked it dear !
Pandit Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 2:05 PM
You take the reader on a mysterious ride through detailed, dynamic imagery that brings forth the scene. Great vocabulary, as always, Valsa. Win BIG my friend.
George Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 3:16 AM
Thanks a lot Vijay ! Compared to your vocabulary, mine is quite limited. Learning new words and usages from you all ! Thanks once more !
Mcconnell Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 11:32 AM
Great imagery displayed here Valsa, really fine piece penned so well. Hope all is well, blessings,Gordon
George Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 3:18 AM
Glad that you have visited my page after a spell ! Hope you keep fine. Thanks a lot for your words of encouragement, Gordon.
Leffanta Avatar
January 9, 2022 at 10:56 AM
You are certainly a writer with an imagination and vocabulary to match! Good luck in the contest! Aloha!
George Avatar
January 10, 2022 at 3:19 AM
This I feel is a great compliment ! Thank you soooo much Rico~~
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