Memories of Murder

The mist was thick, the hour was late,
I halted at the rusty gate;
I’d heard the stories of that place,
And thought about a crime so base:
A girl was murdered, years ago.
Her ghost remains in situ, though;
She can not leave the place she died,
They say - or had those people lied?

I stepped onto the hallowed ground,
And heard a noise and spun around.
A mouse…a rat…a cat…I hoped.
I couldn’t see a thing, and groped
The headstones, as I staggered through -
Completely lost, what could I do?
My nervous heart was beating hard;
Alone,  I crept in that graveyard.

Surrounded by the fog and gloom,
I tripped and fell across a tomb,
And hands were at my throat, I swear -
Although I felt no body there.
The girl was strangled, beaten, slashed;
I knew the way her throat was gashed.
Her killer jailed, she can’t forget
About her murder. Such regret!

A pretty teen who’d known such Hell,
And through her thoughts, I’d die as well.
My larynx crushed, I prayed for peace,
And for that sorry soul’s release.
As blows began to rain on me,
I knew I had to set her free -
Before I also died the way
That she had done upon that day.

I struggled, but alas too late,
And wished I’d stayed outside that gate.
I felt the jagged glass attack,
And sensed there was no turning back.
The moon appeared, the fog had cleared;
I trembled as the spectre neared.
The murder victim shook her head.
“It’s time I left,” she smiled and said.

The birds were singing as she rose.
She’s found repose.

for Knight's story contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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Devonshire Avatar
April 25, 2015 at 2:03 PM
Wow, what the woman had to go through to release this restless, earth-bound spirit. Very captivating, Andrea. I do believe spirits surround us... Oooh! Best wishes in the contest! Love, Carolyn
Dietrich Avatar
April 25, 2015 at 9:57 AM
thanks for your visit to my latest poems last night, Jack. I got maybe five poets to visit me after being here two hours last night! I'ts the new "soup" way!!!
Johnson Avatar
April 21, 2015 at 10:37 PM
This show's true talent jack.
Babcock Avatar
April 21, 2015 at 6:36 PM
Wow what a great story you had me in a chilly state with this spooky write. Here is a person who cannot watch any horror movie or would not sleep the night. You drew me in with this haunting write. Excellent . love phyl
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
April 20, 2015 at 12:27 PM
Wow, I was on the edge of my seat until the end, Jack! I interpreted it as she found peace before the main character's death, but after reading Andrea's comment, I'm not sure...you can leave it to the reader's interpretation. It's kind of mysterious that way! Hugs, Rhonda
Dietrich Avatar
April 20, 2015 at 9:12 AM
oh jack, this was such a GREAT write. I love your story telling ways! I am thinking the "you" character lived in the end. As well as the fact that the spirit passed on. Or did YOUR spirit take her place, to have to relive that nightmare? I am left wanting to know this part!!
Hamilton Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 3:11 PM
deep intense write Jack superb flow gl in contest hugs
La France Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 1:23 PM
Jack, I really like your spooky story for the contest, this rhyming poem is a winner, thanks for visiting my poems, Insanity and Chasing Footprints and The Story of My Life
Pinet Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 8:16 AM
This is a well penned poem that not only describes a state of mind , but instills such thoughts within the reader's mind through great imagery and triggered emotions. Emile. #7
Thirtyseven Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 6:18 AM
You've created a great story here my friend. The way it flows is inspiring. Wonderful write. Thank you for your visit. It's always a pleasure to read your thoughts.
Kendrick Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 6:12 AM
Great flow, rhythm and rhyme in this one..A captivating story in poetic form..Reads like a winner to me..Way to go for the contest..Thanks for all the visits to my page..Sara
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