The Fourth Floor of Nowhere

In restless winds and in shadows dark
over a sweeping plain of wheat so fair
a crumbling homestead stands against fate
with a wandering staircase going nowhere. 

Warily, I clutch the creaky bannister 
willing my feet to climb treacherous steps
up to the floor of Four...then I hesitate 
for my spirit is overwhelmed and bereft. 

Herein lies a faded, neglected nursery
a drooping jack-in-the-box with a frozen smile
a broken man-in-the-moon clock hangs limp
with a chilling breeze moaning all the while. 

Thunderclouds blacken the distant horizon 
like time that cloaks events from long ago
I do not possess the keys to unlock mysteries 
but I entered the floor of nowhere..this, I know. 



Written on 9/5/2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Hamilton Avatar
October 1, 2020 at 7:31 AM
Enjoyed this one, congrats Laura on placing this time!
Leiser Avatar
October 1, 2020 at 8:57 AM
Thank you, John! I appreciate this. :)
Dietrich Avatar
September 27, 2020 at 10:08 AM
wow, so mysterious. You took this challenge in a really interesting direction out there in a field with this old house. I hope you get a win, Laura.
Leiser Avatar
September 27, 2020 at 11:46 AM
Thanks, Andrea. It didn’t place, but that’s okay. Glad you liked it :)
Watt Avatar
September 14, 2020 at 12:25 PM
Laura, you have written a step-by-step growing sense of mystery and dread with your evocative adjectives and adverbs. The sense of wariness and hesitation is palpable. The details you provide with the jack-in-the-box and the man-in-the-moon give the reader a sense of being right there with you. Expertly done, I wish you all the best in Craig's contest. Virtual hugs ~ John
Leiser Avatar
September 14, 2020 at 2:57 PM
Thank you, John! I’m so happy you enjoyed this poem and appreciate your kind comments! :)
Andresen Avatar
September 11, 2020 at 11:58 AM
- Sounds as you walk through time in an old abandoned house - A slightly horrible feeling and poetic great poem, Laura :) - Nice to see you ... have a lovely weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Leiser Avatar
September 11, 2020 at 1:11 PM
Thank you for your comments, Anne-Lise! I appreciate it very much! :)
Wolf Avatar
September 8, 2020 at 2:31 PM
Deftly described, Laura. I got goosebumps reading it... Reminiscent of some of Dickens' work. Fine penning! :) gw
Leiser Avatar
September 11, 2020 at 1:10 PM
Thank you, Gershon! I truly appreciate your comments! :)
Pandit Avatar
September 8, 2020 at 4:56 AM
A brilliant write, Laura--quite creative, original thoughts dwell on the fourth floor of your poem--wonderfully done.
Leiser Avatar
September 8, 2020 at 6:42 AM
Thank you, Vijay! So glad you enjoyed this! :)
Ashley Avatar
September 7, 2020 at 10:38 AM
Your poem is rich in its rhymes and darkness, Laura. Emotional and physical angst spills with potent dread and mystery from your creative pen. Secrets in gloomy metaphoric beauty and suspense so wonderfully expressed. Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes for you, dear poetess.. ~Susan
Leiser Avatar
September 7, 2020 at 9:57 PM
Thank you so much, Susan, for your generous comments! I appreciate that you liked this one! :)
Michael Avatar
September 6, 2020 at 4:52 PM
Nice...I like how you wrote it...suspense and silent imagery
Leiser Avatar
September 6, 2020 at 5:08 PM
Thanks, Arturo! I’m glad that you liked this! :)
Nicole Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 8:18 PM
Oh my, this is chilling and creepy. Feels like a ghost story, as I can almost hear the moaning of the wind. Yes, it is almost that time of year again. Halloween. You paint such an eerie scene, with your words. ~ Brandy
Leiser Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 8:39 PM
Thanks, Brandy. Glad you liked it! :)
Blown Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 7:19 PM
...very interesting write...its inner reads as: 'no-where <--> now-here'...garbage once treasure.....stan sand
Leiser Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 8:38 PM
Thanks, Stan! Love your take on this! :)
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 3:46 PM
Hello Lauram yes it seems this house has a mystery to a room in the 4th floor that goes nowhere. Enjoy your evening my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 7, 2020 at 11:23 AM
Your welcome Laura. Enjoy your day my friend.
Leiser Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 3:50 PM
Thank you, Darlene! :)
Mcconnell Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 2:39 PM
Interesting writing Laura, really good imagery and fine insightful thoughts too. Take care and keep safe, Blessings,Gordon
Leiser Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 2:44 PM
Thanks for commenting, Gordon. Glad you liked it! :)
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