The Haunted Palisade

A visionary wandered lost one night
inside a tempest thunderous and strong.
He looked for shelter in a canyon.  Light
of moon poured down and bitter sweet of song. . . 

For as the storm abated, he could hear
a tune that seemed to claim the palisade.
How haunting was that sound that filled his ear!
But no one was around.  How was it made?

He sought, as one who thirsted for the truth,
illumination of this mystery.
He climbed on ancient rocks, an eager sleuth,
then came on what he knew to be the key. . . 

He found a ghostly clue, a hieroglyph
of one lone flutist, on a smooth-walled cliff.


For Ghosts Contest/Sponsored by Carolyn &  Jack
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Watt Avatar
September 5, 2020 at 6:08 PM
This is a fave for me, Andrea. So well constructed, with your vintage enjambments, clever rhymes (I like cliff/hieroglyph and truth/sleuth best), mysterious setting, and your wonderful gift of poetic story telling. Parfait!
Yvonne Avatar
February 7, 2015 at 7:12 PM
Now that's scary stuff. Loved It!
Davis Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 9:57 PM
Andrea This is a scary, hauntingly eerie and creative write. Keeps the reader in suspense and intrigued. Thank you for the sweet comments on my Special Group and Revised Group poems. I am entering the second one.
May Avatar
November 29, 2012 at 4:38 PM
just perusing some of your sonnets.....enjoyed.....love
Horsman Avatar
September 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM
love the scary bits, and how the whole poem blends in so well.... i've got lots to see here on page 9, this is when i was away last year...
Wesley Avatar
June 28, 2011 at 6:12 AM
A wonderful verse filled with mysterious images - Love your words.
Ball Avatar
June 23, 2011 at 6:48 AM
Excellent piece. Wonderful imagery and smooth flow. Simply stated and easily read and understood. I could see the storyline played out before me as I read. Good stuff. God Bless, JBngkm
Roberts Avatar
June 22, 2011 at 1:11 PM
eerie little poem, congrats on your HM in the contest Andrea
Hendricks Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 8:14 PM
You have me a-shiverin' in me booties here, Andrea. Faint-hearted am I (lol). Congratulations on your placement in Carolyn's and Jack's contest. Well done, my friend. Hugs, Licia.
Guzzi Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 6:08 PM
hmm reminded me of my favorite flutest? Carlos Naki! congrad's on your win Andie! Light & love
Puddifoot Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 1:17 PM
congrats on another great win andrea, you're having so many I'm having difficulty keeping up with commenting and congratulating you!! I don't know what happened to my poem, it sank without trace :(
Mccormick Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM
"He sought, as one who thirsted for the truth, illumination of this mystery." These lines gave me goosebumps, thank you!
Horne Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 9:04 AM
Many congrats on your win in our contest, Andrea : ) Carolyn and I loved your poem.
Brown Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 4:47 AM
Congratulations on your win in Carolyn's & Jack's "Ghosts" contest Andrea. Love, Carol
Phookan Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 3:43 AM
Congrats Andrea on your HM for this,,awesome I loved it, who would think a ghost-a sleuth, and how good he solved the mystery...love again...
Scripca Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Excellent sonnet and well deserved win, dear friend! Ouch,my hair, you are on top of me!!! :) Hee,hee,hee!
Sweetheart Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 8:13 PM
Congrats Andrea on your HM in the Ghosts contest with this brilliant entry my friend.. a really intense piece luv .enjoy special honor ...
Mehta Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 6:16 PM
My congratulations on this win in the contest of carolyn, Andrea
Johnson Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 4:30 PM
Great writing and congratulations Andrea. This must have been a hard one to judge. Love, Joyce
Devonshire Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 3:33 PM
Dear Andrea, Congratulations on your success in the Ghosts contest! Jack and I judged blindly and there were many good entries that did not place, so those who did should feel very proud. Love, Carolyn
Gorelick Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 3:22 PM
Neat! congrats..this is different and I love it. BG
Muzzey Avatar
June 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM
An excellent write and entry in the contest. I enjoyed the read. Best to you~ Caryl
Wesley Avatar
June 19, 2011 at 8:43 AM
Being lost with you is an adventure to be had. A wonderful poem with pictures for the mind............Elizabeth
Babcock Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 9:42 AM
You gave me chills with this ghostly tale. I don't like the dark and I hear everything around so this would freak me out. ha ha. Awesome write. love phyl
Greenlee Avatar
June 18, 2011 at 9:01 AM
Great stuff.You will do great in this.Have a great day love...Kacey
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