The Bogeyman

Soaking wet the grey sheep huddle
by the stone wall shaped and laid
to last five hundred more years still.
Rains sheeting o'er the moor leave 
us dripping as the fish in Foley's Tarn.
Clouds careen across the sky like 
ragged flags unfurling, our house is
battered by the storm's relentless wrath,

and something's coming...

It's nights like this that bring the creature 
from the other side of time, misshapen 
wretch with no measure of humanity,
dragging its loathsome body to our door.
Squelching abomination with dark sockets 
for its eyes, a travesty of decency and grace. 
Not marked in any almanac, no picture 
of this beast save in the nightmares 
of our child, who flies into his mother's 
arms and trembles, trying to scrape 
the ugly specter from his mind,

for he knows...

he can feel the slimy presence
hidden deep within the shadows 
of the house. Is it living only in his 
darkest fears? Once settled is he 
free of fang and claw?

"Leave a light on, Mom!"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Deschler Avatar
January 16, 2016 at 8:10 PM
This haunting imagery creates the perfect atmosphere for a tale of suspense... I liked this poem very much, Keith. Very well written!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
January 16, 2016 at 8:28 PM
Thanks so much for your time and effort in reviewing this piece... I am most grateful. Best wishes, Keith
Emu Avatar
January 15, 2016 at 11:36 AM
My Goodness, yes leave a light on! Awesome piece Keith, the beast is well described yet gives imagination provision to conjure up its own ghastly image.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
January 15, 2016 at 1:50 PM
Thanks for your cool review my friend! Best wishes, Keith
Boddie Avatar
January 15, 2016 at 11:20 AM
put fear in the rear....and pain on the train....then extradite to His Light....then only joy will remain....creepy cool keith....
Bickerstaffe Avatar
January 15, 2016 at 1:51 PM
Rhyming in response as ever from your talented pen! Thanks Eric... Best wishes, Keith
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