The House of Usher is up for sale

with a casket of secrets

and a built in tale.

Family histories tainted, unclean

bursting to be told

by those unseen.

 

The House of Usher increased in price

when it turned its back on Paradise,

with skeletons in cupboards

and other artefacts,

like unspeakable things in sacks.

 

The trees in the garden, weighed down in sorrow

perk up when the sun is in the hollow,

reminiscent of the valley of death

with a mist that stinks of dragon's breath. 

 

 Mournful rooms seem to go on forever,

scornful of the light's endeavour.

Its best kept promises are its most appealing,

held tight where no sight can reach the ceiling.

 

The House of Usher is up for sale,

but the uninvited should tarry awhile,

considering not just bricks and mortar

but the welcome smile of the Devil's daughter.