Fear

I walk through empty corridors,
Chilled fingers dance around.
An icy trail along my body,
Freezing through my clothes,
Goosebumps breaking out.

A tune from childhood songs,
Sung breathlessly out loud.
Lost within this castle's past
My eyes swing left and right,
To find a fright unknown.

Empty rooms of dust and grime,
Doors that hang from hinges.
A curtain hiding broken glass
Cold winds that blow it open;
Flapping in the breeze.

Light shines from empty moon,
A pale glow shows my way.
Fear tickles my neck in touches
Soft and whispers in my ears.
Innocent tunes continue.

A noise, a crash, a monster?
I pray and hope and wish.
One last corridor to walk,
Till this nightmare ends.
Darkest walkway yet.

Gulping, eyes closed, inching.
A few more metres left here.
Trembling arms and legs.
My heart pounds in my ears.
Drowning the song away.

A candle in the entrance hall;
A warm yellow glow, alone.
Eyes darting round the room.
A white glow from the side.
Screams of silent pain.

I close my eyes and shake,
Unmoving as it comes.
A sound of chains and music.
A noise of whispered words.
Rattling ever closer.

Then suddenly it stops again,
Bare inches from my face.
I cannot stand much longer.
Sweat breaks upon my brow
I peek, fists clenched.

A face, too close, I jump back,
It studies me with passion.
Self conscious and afraid.
I walk towards the candlelight,
My face towards the ghast.

It lets me take the light up,
It lets me inch door-wards.
I almost turn the knob behind,
When it makes a haunting sound.
That echoes in my mind.

It seems to fly right through me,
Through walls, through chairs,
Through broken windows, all.
I stand in shock and peril.
Its gaze is on me now.

Come morning to these parts.
A day that seems too bright.
A castles stands on hill
Alone in all its splendor.
The new replacing old.

KC - 22/7/05