Behind Closed Doors
To a creaking floor.
A step on the stair,
A shadow on the wall
Takes me back
To when I was a child…
Frightened nights
In a Victorian row house
With ghosts enough
To make me dread,
Lying in bed
Hearing footfalls
Then seeing him
At the foot of Nanny’s bed—
Preening in the mirror
His hair and beard red.
I confronted him
Commanded him out
The hateful glare
Sent me running
Down the hall to Father
Who told me it was nothing.
I spent that night
Behind closed doors
Hearing movements
In the hall
All alone
And insecure
With the wind making moan
And creaking the floors…
Confronting spirits
Behind the red outline of the door.
A bone-chilling write, John. I remember experiencing this kind of fear as a child. Waking to dreams that hadn't let go yet. The photo quite compliments the mood of the post as well. Great presentation and craft all around.
thanks Pryde - Appreciate the encouragement
One thing about your writings is that, I feel reality in it. I had some experience age 9-11.
This experience scares me so much that I always wished I don't close my eye, my parents been a religious person believe it to be a spiritual problem so I was always experiencing prayers from them both.
When I close my eyes to sleep I see that my body is down and another figure of me is standing, I see shadows moving making sounds when they pounce on me I usually lose my voice.
I tried shouting but no one will here me. I remember calling the name of Jesus multiple times suddenly my voice will come through and everything will disappear and I be wake up. It happens continuously until God put an end to end with the power of prayer
Been through that too, Tomiwa, and whether awake or asleep, I can vouch for the power in that name given to all believers :)
Yes, the power that is above all power, the power that makes other powers tremble. That sweet name Jesus.
It saves in time of trouble, the best part is that whether you believe in it or not I helps so you can change your mind
It took you about 2 minutes to create a spooky situation. That is some good writing, John.
thanks, lydon - it was real so it didn't take much imagination :)
Wow John, it's the middle of the night here, I can't sleep, and now I'm also thoroughly creeped out! I can feel the lonely terror you felt as a child; another well written verse! And the picture is a great accompaniment ; also very terrifying. Thank you...I think :)
I hate night terrors, so I write about them. I think Stephen King does that too. It's a paradox.
A paradox for sure. You would think that if you're writing about it, you've got the tiger by the tail :) ...I know better though
yes, so true
John I congratulate you for your poetry, I confirm that I lived as a child moments like that, and I would add and my heart was pounding to bursting point. An affectionate hug
thank you, Felix :)
To serve you friend.
I felt a real fear. this poem is reaching its goal. I love things that are alive in my mind. very successful my dear friend. congratulations.
thank you
Reminds me of being afraid of the dark. A fear I have yet to be rid of. Very well done, John.
yes, I think everyone deals with that fear
You should make this in a horror story, because a scenario truly fits. Absolutely amazing description of panic and child's fear.
thank you!
This is soooo eerie... you seem to manage every theme on poetry like a pro. And the result is always stunning. Congratulations!
thanks, @flashfiction
Awesome, upvoted ,follow and resteem
thank you!