Here, Dwells A Monster - Part I

i. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse. My wife and son lay silent, all tucked in their beds, Visions of demons no longer danced in my head. My figure from the hall cast a shadow in the room, The air a heavy pall, befitting this late night's gloom. I bet you're all wondering what led to my plight, It began two months ago on Halloween night. ii. My friend was throwing a party, costumes required— Wear something eye-catching, unique, something inspired. The festivities underway when my family arrived, My son dressed as Superman, us, Bonnie and Clyde. We partook of drink and merriment all throughout the eve, Around the stroke of midnight, most began to leave. I hugged my wife and kid and kissed them goodnight, Told them I'd get a ride and be home at first light. I watched my family depart as I closed the front door, And turned to see my friend beckoning us forward. He produced a Ouija board and placed it on the table, "Do you guys believe in ghosts? Or think they're just fable?" The rest of us laughed and asked if he was serious, "Just give it a try. Aren't you the least bit curious?" We sat around the board and listened to directions, On communing with the dead, during our late night session. After some time of nothing remotely disturbing, Something creepy occurred, something very unnerving. The planchette began moving of its own accord, Then watched as it zig-zagged across the board. I bolted upright—From a sharp, searing pain— And heard the voice of a woman whispering my name. Over the commotion, the sound of distant laughing, A sudden chill engulfed me, my consciousness blackened. iii. I awoke with a start! Hands pressed against my head, On a sweat soaked pillow, sheets strewn about the bed. How’d I get home? Had what I drank been laced?! Then felt the burn of three scratch marks on my waist. Soon, sleepless nights followed, I became despondent, Endless whispers from the shadows, my fragile mind haunted. Glimpses of a figure unseen by my family, Vanished into dark corners, questioned my sanity. The little sleep I got, the darkest of dreams took hold, My loved ones stared with mouths agape, eyes black as coal. Was this real or nightmare? I could no longer discern, Then the darkly figure of a woman, would nightly return. "Your family's souls are damned, free them from their hurtin'. Shuffle off the mortal coil, and be done with this burden.”