Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

Shhh

entry picture

I awoke to a grainy black & white

A pale moonlight 

cast vague puppets of shadow

around the canvas of bare walls

All fidgeting like an impatient audience 

From below

I could hear the hollow crackle

of a gramophone 

An old folk song

drifting through time

Serenading &  haunting the ear

I reached out for my wife 

but there was only cold, undisturbed sheets

But, something moved near

whispering soft prickles

upon my skin

A child smothered giggles 

in cupped hands

now long-since decayed 

The song swelled & smothered 

Getting louder, and louder

The shadow puppets flickering & swaying 

like dark flames

The child leaning in

like a winter's chill

Shhh, it whispered 

The song ceased 

       Time ceased

Do not fret, dear Sir

Tis only a fanciful dream…

 

The world I mean

 

        ***

 

I awoke streaked in sunlight 

My wife standing to stretch

Cuppa? 

I gave a nod and sat up 

For several seconds I sat

It wasn't until I got to my feet

that I realised my fist was clenched

               So tightly 

It burned like the sun-

like the whole universe

 

I forced it open…

 

Mysteryeverything

◄ The passion & the pride

I had a dream ►

Comments

Profile image

keith jeffries

Wed 3rd Aug 2022 21:58

Stephen,
This must be rated as one of your best. Beautifully crafted leaving the reader in suspense not knowing what to expect.. I found it enthralling. So well written.
Thank you for this
Keith

Profile image

Stephen Atkinson

Wed 3rd Aug 2022 20:45

🤣 That's what it was, Julie! Bloody extra mature cheddar. Too mature for me 😂. The cuppa made up for it ( with a sly choccy biscuit, of course)

Profile image

julie callaghan

Wed 3rd Aug 2022 20:25

Too much cheese before bed?? I bet that cup of tea was much appreciated. 😁

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message