Constance La France Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Nicolas Street Jail, Ottawa, Canada

Now, let me tell you a story.

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The Old Jail

The old building is imposing, massive and fearful,
built in 1862 as a jail and gallows for criminals;
today the creepiness remains-  turned into a hostel,
one hundred and fifty graves were found on the grounds;
and upper death row cells can be rented for a night.

There are creaking doors and heavy footsteps heard,
wailing and weeping and praying all the night long;
on a dare- I rented a top floor cell with black bars,
I was told the daunting gallows remain not far away;
and went to my bunk, not really believing the stories.

I was found in the morning crumpled and weeping,
talking hysterically about being hanged by decomposed men;
the mental hospital is not much better than that jail was,
where ghosts hang me every single night in the gallows;
now dear, it is just a dream but I am terrified to go to sleep.

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September 30, 2020


Poetry/Narrative/The Old Jail
Copyright Protected, ID 20-1290-558-03
All Rights Reserved, 2020, Constance La France

Written for the contest, "The Unexplained"
sponsor, Carolyn Devonshire

First Place

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Carol Mitra October 2, 2020 at 6:49 PM This was scary Constance....Congrats on your win. Constance La France October 3, 2020 at 9:17 AM Carol, thanks for visiting and for the congrats _Constance

Anne-Lise Andresen October 2, 2020 at 10:41 AM - I would have been scared too, Constance :) - Congratulations on your first place in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Constance La France October 3, 2020 at 9:17 AM Anne-Lise, thanks so much for the congratulations, appreciate _Constance

Carolyn Devonshire October 2, 2020 at 10:21 AM Stellar writing, Constance! What a great story is behind your poem. There is a similar "haunted jail" in St. Augustine that goes back a few hundred years, but I wouldn't want to spend the night there. Congratulations on a first-place win. Best wishes, Carolyn Constance La France October 3, 2020 at 9:19 AM Carolyn, thank you for another inspiring contest and for my great placement. The jail stood empty for years and then was made into a hostel, but that did not last long, because of the (ghosts) now I am not sure what it is _Constance

Jack Horne October 1, 2020 at 7:44 AM oh, love this scary one! Thanks for the place in your contest. Hope all is well with you & kitty x Constance La France October 2, 2020 at 8:01 AM Jack, thanks for visiting my poem and you are welcome on your win and me a Snuggles kitty are doing okay _Constance

Darlene De Beaulieu September 30, 2020 at 11:29 AM Hello Constance la France, you have created a scary poem. i would be scared to go to sleep to. enjoy your day my friend. Constance La France October 2, 2020 at 8:03 AM Darlene, thanks for visiting my poem. This is an actual place in my city and part of a "Haunted Tour". The part about me sleeping there is fictional (like never) but the story is true as reported from others who have slept the night there _Constance