The Lodger!

The single young woman found it was hard

even though working

to pay the bills and the large mortgage to

she needed a lodger

providing extra income so she could cope

this really was the hope!

 

The lodger arrived late on an winter evening

there on the front porch

an old suitcase clasped in bony hand

speaking in a quiet voice

harsh whisper in a monotonous drone

yet had a chilling tone!

 

Said she had read about the room to rent

yet not contacted by phone

the owner reluctant to let her come inside

struggled paying the bills

regrettably no other enquiries  received

she could only proceed.

 

From the first meeting doubt was embedded

within her inner fears

already the warmth of her home had waned

showed her the room

gave her approval she would take it uttered

in agreement muttered!

 

Moved in that night with no other luggage

went in the room in silence

the door shut yet the owner full of dread

what had she let in her house

sat in the lounge listening to the television

already regretting her decision!

 

Decided to sleep down  in the lounge that night

later thought it was silly

to allow her imagination to spook her thoughts

the lodger would be fine

three days passed before eventually emerging

trouble began surging!

 

Unable to comprehend what she was doing

no food had been taken in

could not recall if the toilet had been used

not feeling well stayed inside

never been sick as this trying to think back

or so much energy lack!

 

The lodger crept about now mainly in the dark

the place would not heat

it was constantly cold and so many flies buzzed

always a dank mouldy smell

filled the air never had this before she came

nothing could she blame!

 

In the end decided had to make conversation

depression was overwhelming

even hard to climb the stairs breath short

soon outside the room stood

before she could knock the door it opened

into emptiness did descend!

 

Compelled to enter there saw the gaunt figure

empty eyes and  almost skeletal

went to speak but there was a piercing scream

followed by a blinding light

she woke with a shudder and fell off her bed

thinking she must be dead!

 

Finding her heart was racing knew she was not

sat shaken on the thick  rug

cold no more really went to the lodgers door

finding it was slightly open

summed up the courage to go right inside

had to face not hide!

 

But it was empty the lodger seemed to have left

the tension and fear had lifted

the odours and flies were not about any more

though she had not existed

strange had it been an awful nightmare she had

certainly never had one that bad!

 

Came home from work around seven that evening

got herself something to eat

then there was a faint tap upon the front door

wondering who it could be

nobody usually called at this time without a call

went to answer it down the hall!

 

Devastated to see a thin pale girl holding a suitcase

within  her bony hand!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

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