Memories Beyond the Door

I keep you—you and all things you—behind this wooden locked door.
But still, your shadow: through the gap below, escapes; painted all over the floor.

That door stares and stares at me for days, weeks, months, years in vain;
For I truly dare not even touch that gilded, rust-eaten key again.

From there, I hear your screams as if you were declaring the next World War,
And truth be told—for no lies would suffice, it scares me to my deepest core.

From the gap below I see flickering lights, hear metallic sounds of rustling chains;
I see seeping from below unrestrained laughter, like puddles formed when it rains.

And often too, I find blood pooling underneath: rose syrup generously poured.
(Though I always stand there and stare—I don’t know what I’m waiting for.)

After a while, I noticed a curious thing: my hand, on the wood, it has left a stain;
Obscure, it was nonetheless there. I still see it with bare eyes, slightly strained.

Hey, you know, it has been coming to me lately; the monster that stomps and roars.
Trembling at first, I will be alright, for I remember: “Lock the door and count to four!”

And there it comes for its daily visit and find me it will. But fear not, dear; for I'd fain
Suffer this than to open the door and let you, too, be devoured again by Pain.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Buil Avatar
May 10, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Congrats! Good entry! I loved how vivid and real it felt. :D
Roberts Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 10:57 PM
many congrats on your win, great entry
Widjanarko Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 6:26 PM
this is such a beautiful poem and congratulation on your win :)
Johnson Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 2:36 PM
Congratulations on your win with this emotional poem. Love, Joyce
Oyewole Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Congrats on your win.
Richards Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Stunning with such disturbing descriptions that one almost shivers with the chill of the words....what an awesome, and wrenching poem. Congratulations!
Martin Avatar
May 2, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Gruesomely good.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace