The Haunted House

Haunted places, haunted lives --
     Who knows the terrors trapped inside?
Out of gas and losing vigor, 
     His footprints are defined in flashes of light.

Spatters of mud ascend his jeans,
     Muck from wetlands in the vast bayou.
He’s trekked a mile from his broken van
     As summer’s first storm closes in.

When lightning illuminates the cloudy sky,
     Eaves of a coastal mansion are defined.
Such refuge he now welcomes, 
     While whipping tropical wind gusts gain force.

How fortunate to discover a refuge 
     That’s survived decades of neglect.
But as he moves closer with hope and curiosity, 
     Spanish moss creates goose bumps, tickling his neck.

Approaching through the overgrown landscape
    Of an ornate mansion that beckons him in gloomy guise,
He finds an open door and calls inside,
    Certain he’s heard ghostly voices within.

With trepidation, he steps into the foyer,
     Where bloodcurdling wails grow louder.
What price this haven, he ponders,
     When the door slams shut, locking him inside.

Familiar faces gaze from outside windows with iron bars,
     Immobilizing him as his fear peaks.
His last hopes of salvation are dashed when he realizes
     Whom these spirits’ faces represent.

Four women lay dead inside his abandoned van
     And now they’ve captured him to seek revenge.
A serial killer trapped by spirits of his victims
     Is justly doomed to the life of torment he created.



* August 18, 2018
Sponsor-   Dear Heart
Contest-   The Haunted House
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Beaufort Avatar
October 8, 2018 at 11:56 PM
We can only hope for just retribution for the evil men do. I liked this story a lot. It reminds me that there are some very sick individuals who need some help before they are given power over others.
Sergi Avatar
September 23, 2018 at 9:33 AM
Belated congratulations on this eerie poem,Carolyn! I love payback poems!
Roper Avatar
September 16, 2018 at 7:58 PM
I'm a little late, Carolyn, great imagery and story. Big congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve~`*
Warrior Avatar
September 12, 2018 at 2:28 PM
Back to congrats!!! my friend...great win Carolyn...love & light...^WW^
La France Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 11:14 AM
Carolyn, congratulations on your win in my contest with this amazing write, you are a great storyteller, I was hooked from the first word, well done !
Devonshire Avatar
September 6, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Thank you, Constance. As I said in my email to you, I thoroughly enjoyed writing about "The Haunted House." Our late Souper Daver Austin used to call me his "spooky friend." LOL
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 3:40 PM
I wonder if serial killers are ever haunted by the ghosts of their victims? It would be deserving karma. I enjoyed your thrilling tale Carolyn. Great lines like " Spanish moss creates goose bumps, tickling his neck." Here in Hawaii we call it Pele's hair. Congratulations on your second placement! I hope ypur pain is less and you are on the road to recovery now my dear friend. Blessings, Connie xxoo
Devonshire Avatar
September 6, 2018 at 9:07 AM
I like to believe there is some type of spiritual justice meted in our universe. I would have chose Anthony Perkins to direct any production based on this story. And, of course, it would have to be directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Messina Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 12:52 PM
A great ghost story you told, Carolyn. You had my attention from beginning to end. Congrats on your win! Charlie
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 27, 2018 at 11:00 PM
A chilling tale Carolyn! This should do great in the contest. Well written and kept my attention throughout! : )
Warrior Avatar
August 26, 2018 at 12:47 PM
Scarry boys & girls...love your haunted house, Carolyn...love & haunts...^WW^
Lamoureux Avatar
August 25, 2018 at 8:58 AM
My my, quite the tale. You had me from beginning to end.
Callus Avatar
August 20, 2018 at 4:36 PM
I very much enjoyed the buildup to a climax involving an unexpected but clever twist, Carolyn. ~ keeping you in my thoughts as you struggle with fate...Love & Hugs paul
Devonshire Avatar
August 23, 2018 at 9:30 AM
I appreciate your comments, Paul, and keep the positive thoughts coming. Hugs, Carolyn
Gondolf Avatar
August 20, 2018 at 1:00 PM
What a great twist at the end, Carolyn, I enjoyed reading this. Best of luck. John
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