Home » Poems » Victor Buhagiar » The Dare

The Dare

Sewing machine, long idle, gathered dust Cabinets, tables and chairs were old crust. No mercy was shown on this abandoned place No one dared to restore its bygone grace. At least that's what I saw in the meagre light Just a candle to explore through the night. In parts, it was just a mere ugly wreck To repair it, I needed a million cheques. The war years seemed like only yesterday Disgusted I felt like going away. Who cared about this stupid worthless dare? Oh Lord, was that a ghost that I saw there? A model in old style on broken stairs, In semi-darkness, I just stood scared there. A light breeze spread quickly, light as a lark The candle sputtered, spent, and all was dark

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

I Am Anaya

Date: 3/25/2024 9:13:00 PM

Decisions strong held at times, even with such obstacles as you have described here. Another sort of journey that may or may not be worthwhile. Great story gave me chills, Victor

Eve Roper

Date: 3/23/2024 11:05:00 PM

Very moving poem, I don't like things that knock and bang in the middle of the night.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 3/23/2024 12:16:00 PM

Who cared about this stupid worthless dare? …and so begins an interesting night! Love the details! xx

Joe Dimino

Date: 3/23/2024 8:52:00 AM

Very entertaining, and well written. Great poetry!

Joseph May

Date: 3/22/2024 5:23:00 PM

A dare met with ghostly shadows, Very nicely penned

Bill Baker

Date: 3/22/2024 4:52:00 PM

Not that light, my friend. Well written, engaging poetry. It gave me some things to think about. Thank you, Victor, for sharing your poetry with us. Have a nice weekend! Bill

Yann Rolland

Date: 3/22/2024 4:44:00 PM

ending is sad, we all need a candle in the night, a very inspiring and clever poem in this world of ghosts, thanks for sharing , this is beautifully written have a nice week end poet

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 3/22/2024 3:18:00 PM

pretty creepy, I'd hate so spend a night in a haunted house Victor, cuz I know they do exist, :)

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 3/22/2024 1:48:00 PM

Suspenseful and spooky, this story is gripping and fun to read, Victor. I enjoyed the clever, satisfying ending.

Silent One

Date: 3/22/2024 1:12:00 PM

I see plenty of people commenting on your poem, even though you suggested they do not.. maybe be a bit patient and wait for people to have some time to comment... I liked the arrangement of your words here..

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/22/2024 11:27:00 AM

Dear Victor, You cleverly evoke a haunting atmosphere, drawing readers into the eerie scene of an abandoned sewing machine. Your suspenseful storytelling creates a sense of mystery and apprehension. I love how the poem explores themes of neglect, nostalgia, and fear, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Your mastery of setting and mood makes this poem truly captivating. - Blessings, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 3/22/2024 10:49:00 AM

I hope you forgive me if I laughed a bit. I felt the deterioration of this once stately house. I jolted in my chair at the ending where a ghost seems to be harassing you. I love ghost stories. This ghost story was very scary.

Victor Buhagiar
Date: 3/25/2024 6:56:00 AM

You must remind me when you write a new poem. Hugs.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/22/2024 10:24:00 AM

- An exciting place in my eyes ... the sewing machine has a long story to tell ... (I have one myself:) - I don't fear a house with a soul or a ghost - A great poem, Victor :) - hugs

Christina Bowring

Date: 3/22/2024 8:14:00 AM

Dear Victor, this is so atmospheric and quite spooky to read. I love all the descriptions as you set the scene of a forlorn, abandoned place so vividly. Not sure if I would have taken on the dare especially during the night with just a candle to show me the way! Those two last lines are terrific and eerie - I would have been out of there in a hurry! Would love you to continue this compelling story to see what happens next my friend. A great read of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Hugs to you xx

Vijay Pandit

Date: 3/22/2024 6:31:00 AM

Images you convey build a portrait of a neglected place--yet, there is the attachment that pulls one there--to the memories of past. Well written, as always, Victor.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/22/2024 5:32:00 AM

Starts out calm and a repairer's dream then it turns scary and scarier. Very expressive and emotive work. Reads like a winner if for a contest. Thanks for sharing it with us. Your visit to my page was a delight. Sara K

Ink Empress

Date: 3/22/2024 5:03:00 AM

Dear victor, how descriptive is this write, i love the little details that youv highlight and also the ending and so many lines speak volumes in such a soulful manner. “ At least that's what I saw in the meagre light Just a candle to explore through the night. In parts, it was just a mere ugly wreck To repair it, I needed a million cheques.” Such brilliant rhymes throughout! I loved this! Pleasure always reading your poems

Maria Williams

Date: 3/22/2024 3:11:00 AM

Idle sewing machine, dusty old furniture, all war-torn reminders. This abandoned place has been left to decay, with no one to restore its ancient grace and glory. If it was up to me, I would be tempted to take up the dare of renovations, ghosts or not. A great write, as always, dear Victor.Hugs