Derelict!

It was for a dare that the youngsters agreed

to explore the derelict house

meeting outside on a Saturday afternoon

the eldest fourteen and a bit

he was thought of as big brother to the rest

not for much longer one of the best!

 

Wanting to probe the house others avoided

his idea not wanting to go alone

now the reluctant foursome stood together

sneaking through a hole

in the back garden fence next to wasteland

trying to be an intrepid band!

 

All they had was each other and their torches

it did not look inviting

downstairs the glass was broken or cracked

the outer door ripped off

inner one was half-open the older lad Lance

entering not afraid to advance!

 

The youngest Lilly did not want to go inside

but a growl and shaking bush

made her run and grab big sister Lee’s hand

surprised let out a loud yell

words in large red letters daubed on each wall

then saw movement in the hall!

 

Now bunched together feeling very frightened

the kitchen door slammed shut

training their torches could see nothing there

but Lance wanted to search more

little Leanne started crying asking to leave

a man was watching she did believe!

 

Moving on through the derelict lower floor

a dragging sound was heard

as if coming down the now collapsed stairs

but nothing could be seen

yet little Leanne said again about the man

as each viewed the floor plan!

 

The girls voices now rising to a petrified shrill

reluctantly Lance admitted

this was far too much for him to take anymore

as a plank of wood flew in the air

helping them through a glass less window frame

admitted it was a mistake they came!

 

Covered in dust quickly headed back to the fence

but felt compelled for a last look

everyone saw the figure of a girl staring at them

at this ran panic-stricken home

the parents were never told just what occurred

what the children had seen and heard!

 

They seemed to go their separate ways after that

the eldest Lance discovered girls

as for the other they stayed at home every night

the house was demolished

soon on the site several dwellings were erected

but in weeks bad things were detected!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Waved!

From the passenger deck the family waved

excitedly to their relatives

tears flowing on the dockside far below

their journey about to begin

a hard decision leaving so many behind

already for them pined.

 

Before long pulled away the course was set

the old country disappeared

soon over the horizon and picking up speed

as the temperature dropped

heading towards the freezing north Atlantic

aboard the luxury liner Titanic!

 

The parents full of optimism for their futures

an adventure set in motion

like hundreds aboard this magnificent ship

beginning its maiden voyage

but as life often is an unpredictable gamble

not always a pleasant amble.

 

While trying to settle their excited children

for at least a few hours sleep

high above upon an observation platform

lookouts through binoculars

saw large icebergs as they passed at speed

not slowing onward did proceed!

 

Unaware of  any risks passengers were relaxed

happy and confident it was safe

being told the ship was an unsinkable vessel

and their destination guaranteed!

suddenly there was a slight judder from below

a vibration that began to grow.

 

The clock on the wall in the upper deck cabin

clearly read twenty-three forty

their instincts told them something was wrong

a frantic knock on the door

and a stewards cry get to your lifeboat station

giving no further explanation!

 

A child each grasped tightly in their aching arms

found themselves in the crush

of panic-stricken passengers equally confused

scrabbling to reach the lifeboats

only to discover not enough had been provided

and families were divided!

 

Women and children the priority caused mayhem

fathers were left on the decks

elderly couples not wanting to be separated stayed

some single men tried to get in

being launched half full others tipped up in the sea

many jumped into to be free!

 

As it sank no rescue ships were within the vicinity

the happy couple were parted

the two children cried as they were being lowered

down onto the cruel icy sea

now it was their own father staring with a disbelief

waving trying to hide his grief!

 

Mother and children eventually were rescued

and reached their destination

but returned home their dream now shattered

never to see their father again

nor a young wife to see here beloved husband

without him now they would stand!

 

The Foureyed Poet.