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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Empty Eyes!

It was looking into those empty eyes

without any emotion

the chills it gave me I remember now

in a bar with my friend

for a quiet pleasant evening after work

interrupted by this berk!

 

Who was persistent just would not go

threatened if left alone

but with my friend did not feel so bad

eventually took the hint

wandering off where I could not care

no longer at me to stare!

 

Soon forgot that unsettling encounter

just the two of us drinking

until the last orders call I then recalled

look to see if he was about

thought how silly must be long gone

there was nothing wrong!

 

Once in the air realised I was very tipsy

need to get a taxi home

my friend was going on to a night club

as I tried to phone a cab

slowly walking down the poorly lit path

no idea of the closing wrath!

 

Halted by a crossing finally got through

needing the post for balance

heard movement from close behind me

and suddenly an arm gripped

tightly around my neck now panic set in

finding strength from within!

 

Struggling I still had my high heels on

stamped as hard as I could

hoping to catch his foot a loud yell

violently let me go falling

down on my knees quickly spinning

hoping I was winning!

 

Realising looking up it was him glaring

the man with empty eyes

trying to stand he lunged  at my dress

pulling back he missed

scrabbled to my feet I ran in the road

with menace he strode!

 

Kicking the shoes off shouting for help

from a couple passing by

they just seemed to ignore my plight

as the man caught up

lights dazzled coming directly ahead

diving it missed by a thread!

 

As I fell on the pavement there was a thud

tyres were screeching

shaken wondering what had happened

the perpetrator was hit

by a taxi staring at him in utter disbelief

but filled with such relief!

 

It was the taxi that had come to pick me up

the man with the empty eyes

never regained consciousness I heard later

justice you could say was done

luck maybe a guardian angels intervention

are possibilities in contention!

 

The Foureyed Poet.