Chasing Shadows
I wandered from a dream into a nightmare
when a desperate voice I continued to hear.
As her weeping grew louder, I felt her near
catching a glimpse of white lace hovering in the air.
Too quickly to see her clearly, she disappeared.
Anxiety nearly paralyzed me with fear
She materialized again, eyes swollen and red.
Her tulle veil was pulled back for me to see
that she seemed to be real, not a mere reverie.
She floated away, then gave me a start
when I saw her body detach from her head.
I was chasing shadows of an apparitional bride.
Was she taunting me in some ghoulish game
by calling to me, using my name?
A daunting task to find a ghost that can hide
inside a chimney, or floating through walls.
The halls were too dark and I could barely see
when suddenly, something cold touched me.
It was as if ice had brushed across my lips,
and then I realized it was her finger tips.
A pale vision, dressed in tattered Alencon lace
stared into my face. Her eyes implored,
but I didn't know what she wanted from me.
I dared not move or take a breath.
I was filled with dread, wary of being haunted
as I looked into the countenance of death.
I heard the raspy voice of this specter speak,
asking if I would be a good wife, and then
something about my life being a good fit
but I couldn't grasp the meaning of it.
I opened my mouth, and tried to talk
to this phantom creature in front of me.
I trembled then fell before the pale ghost
for now I knew what it was that she sought.
A host so she could live again.
By her spirit within me I had been wrought.
The last thing I remember were her wistful eyes,
fading as though she were saying, "Goodbye."
Tears clung to the length of her black lashes,
pink lips were curved in a halcyon smile.
I was vaguely aware of the scent of woodsmoke,
my night clothes covered with soot and ashes.
I cried out in a voice that wasn't my own,
begging for help, and that's when I woke...
wearing a tattered Alencon lace gown.
October 13, 2021
Ghost Lace Contest
Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke
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