Old Canal Bank!

They thought it was just a large cat on the grass

by the old canal bank

drawing near the object dived into the water

large ripples spread outwards

yet silence remained creating an atmosphere

that deep-seated fear!

 

All seemed so natural the same familiar scene

over the surprise walked on

continuing chatting along the narrow tow path

reaching their favourite seat

facing the murky water the object was again sat

thinking maybe a big rat!

 

How they tried to ignore this persistent entity

there ominously not moving

to their dismay it was soon joined by another

that slid onto the bank

this was definitely bigger it began to slither

as their nerve began to wither!

 

Realising there was danger they began to run

knowing the short cut out

back onto the bustling rush hour town centre

with unprecedented speed

the now visible snake-like creature  attacked

the momentum they lacked!

 

The last to go was caught and swallowed whole

witnessing this appalling event

three friends stumbled away in complete terror

as the smaller beast lunged

tearing at a young girls foot she screamed pain

breaking free before it bit again!

 

Reaching what they hoped was a safe location

stood on the bridge looking down

upon the now tranquil canal below their feet

with no signs or undulations

what were they why had it killed their mate

for him help was too late!

 

Now in and on the canal bank nothing stirred!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

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By The River!

By the canal was pleasant as the day cooled

humidity had been high.

But alone on the river bank it was chilly

yet absorbed watching swans.

Nearby under a bridge a boat slowly passed

scattered birds and shadows cast!

 

Sitting and relaxing on the grassy river bank

though alone was refreshing.

When he became aware of a splashing sound

yet nothing visibly in sight.

Except ripples on the flowing murky water

my perceptions began to alter!

 

Drawn to the focal point the water erupted

into an explosive rising.

As a young man appeared gasping for air

desperately needing help!

Before vanishing below a river fast flowing

now nothing was showing!

 

Then a couple came happily strolling by

telling them to summon help!

Before jumping in trying to save this man

who was drowning feet away.

Cold and dark now tired he searched blind

yet a body he couldn’t find!

 

Now weak unable to get out the police arrived

dragging him onto dry land.

Divers took over he struggled just for warmth

what would be recovered.

Hours later nothing had been found in the river

he now began to shiver.

 

Their conclusion there was nobody drowning

but an enquiry would be started.

Was it a mistake in what he’d witnessed that day

there had been a man in distress!

So real no doubt in every detail not a creation

this was not imagination!

 

A historical fact a man had drowned there forty years before!

 

Was this what he’d seen play over again?

 

The Foureyed Poet.