Echo

The smoky mists of dawn cover the lands I walk upon as though the Earth rose up on tiptoes to kiss the sky. Though not clouds fluffy and white, this mist obscures all sight and I walk as if I'm sneaking by heaven's gates Then it suddenly appears as the mist begins to clear A wishing well old and made of stone A beam of sunlight breaks through clouds and makes the hidden waters in the well reflect dappled light Still, in my sweaty left hand I carry the coin that I had planned to toss in this old magic wishing well. Standing with legs touching the side, my head extended to see inside. I decide to say hello before I begin “Hello?”hello… lo,lo,lo? Says the wishing well echo And I grin, like a child with a new discovery. “ My name is Anthony”…ameis anthony, any, any. The well says in my voice back me. And a thrill again runs through my hot blood. Now I toss my coin, petty cash. And count to 5 and hear a splash. And in my mind, ask the well to grant my wish. “Oh, magic well, built long ago, I have heard your sweet echo, and I wish to find a treasure to make me rich!” I hear nothing this time and wonder if I wasted my dime. So I say once again into the well. “Hello?!” Only silence, so still… then think to add, “please,if you will?” In case this well requires me to be polite. “Hello?”, again I yell… and what happened next I remember well. The echo did not use my voice this time. In a cruel, hissing whisper, I hear something behind me answer, “Anthhhonny….Your wishshh isss my commaaand.” And with that I decide to run! But then, a push on my back, I plunge… Into the deep, wet darkness of the magic well. That's my story, dreadful without measure. And yes, I did get my treasure… It is with me in my grave… at the bottom of the magic wishing well.