Notes About The Poem

gate

Listen to poem:

The Gate Sprung, Shut

I turned to look back, feeling anxious as I stood
"by the squeaky old gate that tomorrow will find."
Was there someone there watching me?
The gate creaked shut, echoing the taint of guilt
That I hoped no one heard.
Earlier I came through this gate to meet you in the woods.

It was rusty, stuck shut, and needed a heavy shove to open.
It reeked a somber reluctant groan, trying to stop me.
But, I would have nothing of its rattle, grind and snag.
I pushed it aside, and walked into the woods along the winding path.

The gate hung its head, trying not to see what it knew I'd do.
It looked up and sighed and rusty hinges creaked,
as the victim died and cried out, ambushed in the woods.
I turned back to retrace my steps, afraid of being watched.
I could feel it in my bones, though nothing was there to see.

As I approached the open gate it seemed that it had moved
every so slightly, impeding my escape through it.
It groaned, rattled, creaked with a clang of defiance
embellishing a subtle vibrato in the concordance of guilt.
The deed was done, the dirge was sung, the gate sprung, shut.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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

Sinha-Roy Avatar
June 7, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Nice narration of the animated old gate. Congratulations.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 7, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Congrats! Great job!
Anderson Avatar
June 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Yeah! Terrific Cheers!
May Avatar
June 7, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Congrats on your win John, Very nicely done
Anderson Avatar
June 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Wow, thanks very much. Cheers to You!
Rodrigues Avatar
May 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The gate tried to do its job to keep out the antagonist, but eventually it gave way. The gate was not a prince that could save. The ambushed victim without a prayer as the antogonist tries to hide and push his way out. The last tone is truly haunting! You write a great story, dear Poet!
Anderson Avatar
May 30, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Thanks very much. Guilt evokes whimpers in innocent bystanders heard by the guilty one listening out for them.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace