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