The Haunted House

Some time had passed since I traveled this street
And arrived at the house that had been so sweet
Where children had danced and roses had grown
And my family and I had made it our home.
But I found the house was falling apart.
The roses were dead, the windows were dark.
The front yard was filled with strangling weeds,
Overgrown bushes and almost dead trees.
The last family there had a dear child die,
And so to the house bid a hasty goodbye.
I looked at the ruined home I adored
And resolved to have its life restored.
The front door was locked, but I knew an old trick,
The back door would open with a right-handed flick.
I quietly pushed it ajar just a crack,
Then slowly pressed it all the way back.
I entered the house, stepping with care,
But needn't have feared for no one was there.
The rooms were all empty, no possessions were seen,
Yet everywhere was white, and everything was clean,
The ceilings, the walls, cabinets and floors,
Carpets, sheer curtains, woodwork and doors.
I roamed through the rooms inspecting the site,
And found all the house as blindingly bright.
The room I had used was the one entered last
Anticipating finding memories of the past.
Hastily flinging the door open wide,
I froze on the spot seeing what was inside.
A young girl sat perched on the long window seat
Gazing outside at the faraway street.
Dressed in a white gown, like the sheer curtains blowing,
She turned slowly toward me, her long brown hair flowing.
On seeing her face, I started to reel,
My legs became weak, I started to keel.
I still couldn't move, though I wanted to flee,
For staring ahead, I was looking at me.
The apparition glided through the white, white room,
Enfolded me in her arms and said, "Welcome home."


Contest:  The Haunted House
Sponsor:  Dear Heart
8/28/18
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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James Avatar
September 13, 2023 at 9:42 AM
Chilling story Jeanne, it had me hooked from start to finish. I enjoyed it very much. Emilia : )
Roper Avatar
September 16, 2018 at 7:49 PM
I'm a little late ,Jeanne, great story and a great big congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve~`*
La France Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 10:54 AM
Jeanne, congratulations on your win in my contest with this outstanding poem, wow what a read, you had me from word one, well done !
Hicks Avatar
September 5, 2018 at 11:08 AM
Thank you so much.
Rowe Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 10:29 PM
This was wonderful. I think you had the same idea as me to make the narrator the ghost in the end. Congrats on your top finish.
Hicks Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 10:42 PM
Thank you.
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 2:59 PM
A fantastic ending to a wonderfully composed chilling poem Jeanne. Congratulations on your deserving First Placement! : )
Hicks Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 6:37 PM
Thank you.
Messina Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 12:58 PM
Awesome write, Jeanne! Enjoyed this spooky tale.. Congrats on your win...Charlie
Hicks Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 2:34 PM
Thank you.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 12:31 PM
Wow! Quite a fright! Congrats!
Hicks Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 2:33 PM
Thank you.
May Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 11:51 AM
A great haunted house story Jeanne..Well written..Congrats on your win.....
Hicks Avatar
September 1, 2018 at 12:18 PM
Thank you so much.
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