The Haunted House

A deserted Victorian house stood off the county road just a little way.
To keep apace of living I rushed by it most every day.
For years I'd wanted to visit there to see what secrets it held,
And perhaps find out about the folks who in it had once dwelled.

Massive oaks stood erectly as if to guard the old place;
Clinging vines held weathered clapboards in precarious embrace.
I mused as I opened the latch on the sagging garden gate,
"Why was it forsaken and left in such a forlorn state?"

The front door was slightly ajar so I entered with pounding heart.
As I sauntered down the dusty hall I was brought up short with a start!
The door slowly closed to the sound of screechy hinges and slammed locked!
I tried to exit the house but all the doors and windows were tightly blocked!

The old house groaned and sepulchral voices were heard from within!
I ran from room to room stumbling over moldy furniture to avoid the din!
Suddenly, the old pump organ in the parlor began playing a haunting dirge!
Macabre figures in funereal dress began to dance and mysteriously emerge!

Squeaky floors, spider webs and flying bats furthered the home's decay.
There was the stench of death about the place that haunts me to this day!
I snatched a poker from the hearth and broke a window to flee the place!
My curiosity about the house was more than sated as from there I did race!

Entry for Dear Hearts' "The Haunted House" Contest
(13 August 2018)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Roper Avatar
September 16, 2018 at 8:08 PM
I'm a little late, Robert, great imagery and story. Big congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve~`*
La France Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 11:35 AM
Robert, congratulations on your win in my contest with this creepy tale, great writing my friend, well done !
Hinshaw Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 12:09 PM
Thank you, Dear - I am pleased that you considered the poem worthy of a win - Bob
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 7:46 PM
I am back to congratulate you Bob. I am so happy to see this onthe winner's list!
Messina Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 12:32 PM
A great spooky story told here, Robert. I sounds like a house that I really do not wish to visit. Well done my dear friend and a well deserved Congratulations. Hope all is well...Charlie
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 20, 2018 at 7:31 PM
I don't know why ghosts haunt scary old places, but I believe their spirits do. I have seen ghosts but have not heard them speak. A chilling tale that should fair well in the contest! : )
Callus Avatar
August 20, 2018 at 4:47 PM
Your chilling narrative in rhyme sure reaches the expectations of the haunted house theme, Bob. Best regards // paul
Messina Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 11:57 AM
Wow, Robert, what a great write of something that I am quite familiar with. The previous house I lived in, about 12 years ago, I had actually seen what appeared to be a teenage ghost walking down my staircase. Great write and much enjoyed. Glad to hear things are going a little better for you...God Bless...Charlie
Devonshire Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 9:56 AM
Oh, my! What a chilling tale, Bob. I was afraid you would remain trapped within the house. Definitely a winner in my book. I am not likely to be on Soup much for a bit as I'm awaiting surgery. Please take care, my friend. Sending winning wishes your way. Love, Carolyn
Hinshaw Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 10:23 AM
Thank you, Carolyn - pray your surgery will go well. Keep us posted - Bob
Curtis Avatar
August 17, 2018 at 8:14 AM
Hey Bob, you've painted a find picture here I can actually see the sagging gate. Well done and good luck it the contest !
Laurie Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 8:40 PM
G'day Bob … good on you Bob. You lived to tell this tale before you got to join the moaning spooks. I wonder what treasure they are guarding in there. I trust you're coping okay Bob - Lindsay
Kitchin Avatar
August 14, 2018 at 4:47 AM
Great poem with a scary story, good luck in the contest!
Roper Avatar
August 13, 2018 at 10:27 PM
A beautiful visual art. Nicely done, Robert.Good luck in the contest. ~`* Eve
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