What Lies Beneath the Lies

Trembling in early fall’s chill air,
I feel a giant dread gnawing at my insides
as I draw closer and closer
to the truth I seek.
Halfway across the large expanse of grass,
I’ll soon be past the line of trees
separating our property from the secluded woods.
Fighting terror’s grip, I press on.

I think of the many times he dragged himself in late.
How he lay beside me on our bed
                                                 breathing hard
and how he always thought I was asleep.

In the morning came the excuses:
He had to work late; he was at the gym;
he simply needed to be alone and took a long drive.
Those things did not explain his labored breathing
when he came to bed so late
or the way he dropped his gaze away from me
every time I questioned him about his whereabouts
the night before.

I had started noticing dirt beneath his fingernails.
I caught him a few times 
scrubbing at it when he’d awoke from an exhausted sleep.

Last night I waited by the curtained window
and what I saw has brought me
to where I am right now this morning
walking past the tree line, following a trail
into the woods – a trail of foot prints
the same size as my husband’s feet.
It stops suddenly where I see weeds.
My heart is pounding.

Fresh soil has been upturned 
and then packed down again
and covered carelessly by brush. 
Beyond this spot,
I see other similar large rectangular spaces
covered with scatterings of brush.

I raise the shovel (the same shovel, which from our garage,
had been clean last time I checked it and which now
is covered on its edges with caked dirt.)
He thinks I buy the stories he’s been telling me.
How I dread what I’m about to do,
for soon I will uncover
what lies
                 beneath the lies.

Written Feb. 20, 2017 for Contest of John Lawless
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017


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Date: 5/1/2020 4:07:00 AM
Please let this be a poetic series The best I have seen I felt like watching a film Concrete imagery suspense superb Pls Madam do bring up continual series Enjoyable "You are poetic blood burn" ...BRAVO God bless.....
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Date: 2/28/2017 4:58:00 PM
I am happy to see this made the winner's list Andrea. Congratulations! 7 ; )
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Date: 2/27/2017 9:21:00 AM
Oh, how we need a serial to this? You leave it at our wits end...Great narrative with a poetic flair. Congratulations, Andrea.
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Date: 2/27/2017 1:19:00 AM
Wow, this is chilling, Andrea, like an episode of Web of Lies on ID. At least yours is fiction! Congrats on your win...hugs, Rhonda
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Date: 2/24/2017 4:44:00 PM
Not at all what I expected. What was he up to I wonder?
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Dietrich Avatar
Andrea Dietrich
Date: 2/24/2017 7:06:00 PM
You can't tell? I watch too many shows on ID channel!!
Date: 2/24/2017 8:55:00 AM
I'm in shock that Joe was like this. :) Sorry, couldn't resist. I've never been a horror fan, because they draw you in like this did and you just can't seem to look away. Your title and how you used it in the end is perfect. Sadly, I enjoyed. :)
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Date: 2/24/2017 8:49:00 AM
I'm sure he was just getting a head start on a herb garden, congratulations again...
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Date: 2/23/2017 7:44:00 PM
Spooky ! You should write a thriller novel Andrea :) A well deserved win
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Date: 2/23/2017 6:12:00 PM
very interesting story, congratulations on your win dear poet
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Date: 2/23/2017 7:25:00 AM
Coming back with congrats.
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Date: 2/23/2017 7:01:00 AM
Congrats on a fine win Andrea
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Date: 2/22/2017 3:36:00 PM
What pack of dogs is it that spread the most lies and belies the fact they never should have done it in the first place. Don't you receive a blue ribbon for that?
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Date: 2/22/2017 2:55:00 PM
I agree that there is a lot of suspense for this poem.
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Date: 2/22/2017 1:50:00 AM
When will episode 2 be posted? I NEED more, well, want more which speaks volumes about your writing style, content and delivery. I know, something similar will be on an episode of Criminal Minds to confirm my suspicions about your man's behavior. All the best with this entertaining entry. Hugs ... CayCay
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Date: 2/21/2017 11:09:00 PM
I like the suspense in this thriller Andrea...Well penned..
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Date: 2/21/2017 10:14:00 PM
Riveting! This is amazing Andrea, the slow build up, the minute details, the anticipation of what's next. Incredible story, masterfully crafted :-) I sure hope there is a follow up piece! And that title, could it be more suspenseful..I think not :-) My best to you in the contest. blessings, lynn
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Date: 2/21/2017 10:08:00 PM
Just as good the second time around, Andrea:) I read this earlier. Lucky for you, they're all full of dirt:)
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Date: 2/21/2017 9:05:00 PM
Creepy and suspenseful! I like how you tell the story. Good luck in the contest.
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