The Debt Collector

His coffin was lowered deep into the ground,
they sprinkled cold earth, tears fell without sound.
From low in the grave echoed several loud knocks,
seemingly coming from under the box.
The mourners’ eyes widened, they turned tail and fled,
fearing such noise would awaken the dead.

The graveyard fell empty, the rapping returned,
now sorrow’s fresh roses lay withered and burned.
A guttural voice mocked ‘Knock knock dear departed,
I have come to complete the transaction we started’

‘What do you want?’a frail voice replied.
‘Please leave me in peace, I have only just died’

Malevolent laughter stagnated the breeze,
all earthly sounds suffocated with ease.
‘It seems you’ve forgotten the tryst that was planned
for the day your spent life was entombed in this land.
To pay for your years of excess and deceit,
you mortgaged your soul, I have the receipt.’

Amid cries for mercy, and spine chilling screams
the casket’s wood splintered as Satan slipped through the seams.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
December 5, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Another terrific write from a talented poet, nice one Sharon >> James :)
Galua Avatar
October 17, 2010 at 12:08 AM
wow...this is haunting...yet you narrate it so so beautifully...i love how the way you painted the atmosphere with all its drama...great write! ^_^ v
Dietrich Avatar
October 15, 2010 at 9:15 AM
ooh, what a chilling one, Sharon. Poor guy!!! This is one of the best Halloween poems I've seen here this season. hey, what's up with you. I seldom see my fellow sonneteer around here!!
K. Avatar
October 9, 2010 at 12:02 AM
Eeek I hope he won't come a-knocking when it's my time---Awesome Halloween read this was Sharon :)-- I enjoyed reading this again as much as I did before--definitely a classic-- chills indeed! hugs to you -- nikko :)
Peranteau Avatar
October 8, 2010 at 2:33 PM
NO YOU DIDN'T ! LOL Awesome write here poet ! james
Keys Avatar
October 5, 2010 at 9:30 AM
this is great .. had me on every word, every line, felt the entire event ... i'm getting back under my covers to hide. thanks, chuck
Richards Avatar
October 5, 2010 at 8:15 AM
Yikes!!! Can there be anything more "Halloweenish" than to think of a voice coming from a coffin???? I want my mommy!!!!!! LOL !!
Mehta Avatar
October 5, 2010 at 4:15 AM
You have created a nice picture very spooky with a little story told, Sharon
Roberts Avatar
October 4, 2010 at 8:19 PM
freaky little story, really good, much enjoyed your spooky little tale this evening
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