The Peninsula!

To the family from the city the air was fresh

clean without the diesel smell

the spectacular sea views the land tapering

down to golden beaches

of the ever approaching isolated peninsula

staring out of their car!

 

The day was drawing rapidly towards dusk

the sun was setting fast

tomorrows forecast another lovely hot day

at last saw the cottage

weary after the long trip just wanted sleep

down the final lane so steep!

 

Soon as the sunset parked in an allotted bay

alongside the thatched cottage

glad to be here at last unloading their luggage

eager to get settled within

noticing the lighthouse a short distance away

somewhere when bored to stray!

 

Their first night was restful to tired to care

after nine when they woke

in these new surroundings of fresh sea air

absent of traffic sounds

their teenage daughter Jess was first up

in the kitchen dropped a cup!

 

Rousing the rest out of their sweet slumber

soon the smell of fried breakfast

filled the cottage making it feel more homely

setting them up for the fray

that would be an eventful twenty four hours

as events their holiday sours!

 

Mum and dad wanted to go and get groceries

from the nearby village store

but Jess and Paul wanted to see the lighthouse

knowing the kids often argued

were reluctant but eventually agreed to leave

from their parents had a reprieve!

 

As soon as they had gone noticed an emptiness

putting it down to being old

when the back door opened then closed scared

decided it was time to go

a little spooked not wanting to stay anymore

the lighthouse then seashore!

 

Nearing the tall structure made them feel small

straining to view the top

where the beam of light shone to protect ships

from coming in to close

both saw somebody waving at them frantically

as far as they could see!

 

Then it was gone blinded by the rising morning sun

arriving at the base

a notice by the entrance read tour’s start from ten

it was locked nobody there

but who was that standing at the top of the tower

they witnessed in that hour?

 

Exactly at the time stated a young woman arrived

and opened for tours

she was surprised to see two kids without parents

health and safety issues

told them without an adult could not let them in

asked was somebody else within?

 

Surprised said no so told her what they had seen

happy to talk about the history

that a lighthouse keeper a century before saw

a ship coming onto the rocks

the light had gone out on this treacherous coast

so with flares stayed at his post!

 

But the passenger ship hit the rocks many died

women and children to

though a hero in the storm fell to his own death

until this day a mystery

why the beam failed and keepers untimely fall

a mystery that did still enthrall!

 

Soon people were queueing to be shown around

so knew it was time to leave

they wanted to go down to those sandy beaches

but on the path the sand blew

yet nowhere else as if their passage was thwarted

so the sea walk was aborted!

 

Fed up and bored saw their were parents returning

stood waiting at the gate

a breeze passed them and footsteps were heard

walking up the path

afraid to turn mum got out of the car calling them

just before mayhem!

 

Wanted help with the shopping as dad was busy

as they were walking up the path

saw a showy shape looking out of the open door

that none of them had been near

all three stopped and yelled in a loud unified cry

rationality it did defy.

 

Dad came running at the shouting to find out why

as the three backed away

to afraid to go inside reluctantly went to the door

then he noticed the sign

this was the home of Tom bell a lighthouse keeper

it is said taken by the devils reaper!

 

He had no idea what this meant as a rasping voice

told him to come in

ashen walked down the path guiding his family

telling them to get in the car

and drove away at speed leaving their effects

here embedded lay many dark secrets!

 

Evil had been awakened by the family’s short stay

from its influence could never get away!

 

The Peninsula

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

 

 

 

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