The Window Pane…a scary tale
Facing the Demon…
Upon my frosted window
a knock came loud and sharp,
jolting me from dozing,
in my chair by fire’s hearth,
and startled did I rise to see
what soul did bid my care,
to find outside just empty,
and in quandary did I stare.
Returning to my plush damask chair,
that window framed in wonder,
I lost my eyes in fire’s light,
bad thoughts I put asunder,
yet again that wrap echoed clear,
and I jumped in surprise and abject fear,
to find no-one to greet my stare,
just an empty night in chill.
I must be mad, I thought dismayed,
imaginings my taunting fray,
what spirit plays with mind to say,
some horrid curse or deed to play,
and so I drew the curtains tight,
parted me from dead of night
and stoked the fire to vibrant light,
to arrest this escalation.
Yet once again this knock rang out,
and my heart did pound and turn about,
as vision blurred and mind did shrink,
to a cowering mess upon the brink,
but with tenuous steps I approach that glass,
to face my demon, a final bout,
and as I drew those curtains back,
I stood before my foe, this wretch.
Twas a branch, simply a street elm,
meandering to my abode,
and in wind it taps my pane so clear,
resounding like a knock austere,
and my heart did sigh with such relief,
to know no ghoul or beast did breach,
and so I reclined, go back to sleep,
by fire warm and cozy.
Tony DeLorger © 2016
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Wow! You did have me holding my breath to find out what sort of demon you faced, Tony. Great tale of fear. Well done.
Thanks Phyllis, glad you appreciated it. Take care.
Loved this , Tony. Shades of Poe’s Raven. Those darn branches can cause unwarranted fear. Well done.
Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it; much the same pace and delivery as the Raven, and a shade is compliment enough. Cheers!
Absolutely fascinating tale. You mentions elm and I expected Freddy Kreuger. Enjoyed your scary tale.
Glad you did Rasma, a little of Poe and a dark tale to intrigue. Take care.
You had me guessing all the way, Tony, Relieved to find it was only a branch. Good tale, my friend!
Thanks Bill, glad you enjoyed it. cheers!
Your choice of form brought me to Victorian place of horror. I felt that you created an incredible amount of atmosphere. Jamie
Thank you Jamie, That was of course my intent, that particular feel of Victorian times and the language so particular to those tales of horror. Glad you enjoyed the journey my friend.