Spooky Encounter

Standing in my kitchen, wearily washing breakfast's congealed dishes
  Dreaming desperately of dredging up a dinner delightful and delicious

Late winter's wan rays of sunlight weaving their way through living room blinds
  Weakly warming the chill hovel I'd rented since being orphaned in 1989...

Startlingly, a creak, then a tear-stained moan from somewhere behind me
  A window opened, blinds parted, a breeze started: delusion--or eerie tragedy?

Whirling around, stifling a cry, I watched in wonder, wanting only to know
  What this weeping and wailing thing was, whooshing its way to and fro
 
And wherefore invisible, as the wind whirred ever faster and faster 
  Would it cut me down, or would I manage to outlast her?

When of a sudden, I saw it, an apparition, sure and clear
  What on earth was my father's ghost, his wavering image, doing here?  

A spectral mouth, jabbering jaws, skeletal face bearing the telltale scars 
  Of my departed father's journey through a universe bereft of planets, 
    suns or stars
 
He spoke, this spook; he called my name: "Help me, please, my son.
  Ask Him for His pardon; to undo the wrongs I've done."

I shrank from the image, my father's ghost, in pure terror
  Surely it had returned to Earth by means of delusional error
 
I shrieked and hid my face, praying for the wretched thing to leave my place 
  Whereupon, abruptly, the image faded, whisked back in time 
    by the Devil's Grace...  

 The mind's imagination ranges 
 Far beyond mere celestial zones
 Chilling mere human essences
   to the marrow of their bones  


       September 20, 2018
      Sponsor: Tania Kitchin 
  Scary or Spooky Poem Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Sietesantos Avatar
September 27, 2018 at 12:27 PM
My most talented friend, I was definitely spooked out by this ghostly tale. I'll have to sleep with the lights on tonight for sure! I enjoyed reading this scary story and it is already a winner in my books! Hugs. Pandita
Canerdy Avatar
September 22, 2018 at 10:26 PM
This one gave me chills, Gershon! Well written!! Janice
Wolf Avatar
September 23, 2018 at 4:49 PM
Thank you for the feedback, Janice. I was hoping to achieve something like that. Much appreciated. Best wishes, Gershon
Faulkner Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 1:51 PM
This is an eerie story, the last stanza is truly chilling-
Wolf Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 3:36 PM
Thank you for the compliment; it's what I intended. ... And stay warm, Michelle!! Best wishes, Gershon
Krutsinger Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 7:27 AM
Gershon, this one is insanely spooky, creepy, with psychological undertones that also scare the reader. I am diving back in, hoping to escape unscathed.
Wolf Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 1:02 PM
Caren, thank you for letting me know this one's impact. I was hoping for something like what you described. Much appreciated. ~ Gershon
Kiser Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 5:55 AM
It sent chills down my spine! Well done and best of luck in the contest.
Wolf Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 1:02 PM
That's good, in that it's supposed to. Appreciate the support, M.L! Best wishes, Gershon
Cunningham Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 4:14 AM
A spooky tale Gershon, well written. Good luck in the contest. Tom.
Wolf Avatar
September 21, 2018 at 1:01 PM
Thank you for weighing in on this one, Tom. All the best! ~ Gershon
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