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The Haunted House

Wild rumours spread that Justice Jones had died. Drawn curtains fuelled speculation’s fire And with the passing days it would transpire That his black Labrador roamed round outside. Where once a sweet perfume had filled the air And nature’s finest flora proudly bloomed, The garden in its present state was doomed To poison ivy’s curse through lack of care. The erstwhile mansion too revealed neglect Its crumbling walls were rickety and worn, And passers-by would often pour out scorn To see its former glory sorely wrecked. The widower had been a wealthy man And whispers of a hoard of cash had grown, But its precise location was unknown; To seize the secret stache became the plan. And thus it was that in the dead of night As shadows danced and owls screeched overhead, Three grasping men set off with steadfast tread The prospect of a rich reward in sight. They prised the rusting hinges back and fore Then forced the handle wrapped in spider’s weave, A putrid, musty smell they did perceive And shifty eyes then hastened to explore. Their steps resounded on the wooden floor Then suddenly there hung a cloud of fear As high up on the stairway did appear A terrifying, snarling, Labrador. A sudden gust of wind slammed fast the door And avarice gave way to fervent plea But no compassion would there ever be For those who chose his master to abhor. Meanwhile, outside the door a shape lay still A sprawling, jet black mass with stiffened limbs Whilst in the house all hope of succour dims As blood spills in the mansion on the hill. 27/08/18 Sponsored by Dear Heart a.k.a Broken Wings. ‘Haunted House’ contest 15/12/18 Give Me Goosebumps Poetry Contest sponsored by Nina Parmenter A Ghost Story Poetry Contest Sponsor : Angela Tune

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 5/7/2022 12:53:00 PM
I love scary films, I have tried to write a few scary poems, they are good fun. I particularly enjoyed yours. Where do you get your inspiration from? I often write after watching a horror film.
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Date: 9/16/2018 7:52:00 PM
I'm a little late, Wendy, great story and a big congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve~`*
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Wendy Watson
Date: 1/13/2022 7:51:00 AM
Thank you for 'popping by' to encourage me, Eve.
Date: 9/16/2018 7:51:00 PM
I'm a little late, Wendy, great story and a great big congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve~`*
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Date: 9/5/2018 10:57:00 AM
Wendy, congratulations on your win in my contest with this outstanding write. You are a fantastic poet, you had me hooked from the first line, well done !
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Wendy Watson
Date: 9/5/2018 12:32:00 PM
Thank you for including me amongst such excellent entries, Dear Heart and for these encouraging comments.
Date: 9/1/2018 10:33:00 PM
Creepiness turned up to 10. Great last stanza to finish too!
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Wendy Watson
Date: 9/5/2018 11:58:00 AM
I'm grateful for such positive feedback, Jesse. A ghostly labrador isn't my usual mindset!!
Date: 9/1/2018 3:04:00 PM
A chilling tale you weaved Wendy! Congratulations on your wonderful First Placement! : )
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Wendy Watson
Date: 9/5/2018 11:55:00 AM
You're such an encourager, Connie! Thank you for all your kind, positive feedback!
Date: 9/1/2018 12:16:00 PM
Very well written, Wendy. Congrats on your win in the contest!
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Wendy Watson
Date: 9/5/2018 11:56:00 AM
That's very kind of you, Charles. I don't normally 'do spooky' but it's amazing where our imaginations can take us!
Date: 8/29/2018 11:59:00 AM
This was very well done. Creepy and spooky and a wonderful storyline that kept me engaged. I love the ending. Bravo.
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Wendy Watson
Date: 8/29/2018 12:07:00 PM
That’s very kind of you, Chris. It’s not my usual ‘genre’ and I’ll probably never see labradors again without feeling a shiver down my spine!

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