Shadow People
by Richard H. Fay
When midnight's heavy hush falls
And this ancient house grows dim,
Shadowy figures slip free
Of daytime's restrictive bonds.
Eldritch folk slowly emerge
From their umbrageous abodes
To roam empty, lightless rooms
And revel in the darkness.
Ebon forms scurry through halls
To gather in the parlour,
While spectres reel hand-in-hand
In time to a silent tune.
Emboldened as night wears on,
Brash wraiths tap on panelled walls.
Others ascend creaking stairs
To disturb my troubled dreams.
Weird phantoms drift past my door,
Speaking words I dare not hear.
Dusky spirits murmur prayers
To forgotten pagan gods.
Shadows recite heathen chants
Until dawn stifles their song.
Shades of memory soon fade
With the break of a new day.
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Originally published in Bête Noire, Issue #3, April 2011.
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Whispers on the Stairs
by Richard H. Fay
Something unseen whispers on the stairs
As I enter the decrepit keep.
Brooding shadows gather around me
As I ascend the moss-covered steps.
Dreadful murmurs echo in my head
As a fey wraith creeps ever closer.
Something unknown whispers on the stairs
As a spectral presence drifts past me.
My flaming torch flickers and goes out
As if extinguished by a strange draught.
Cold sweat beads on my clammy forehead
As midnight blackness envelops me.
Something frightful whispers on the stairs
As I seek to understand the words.
A droning voice speaks in ancient tongues
As a foul fiend mutters to itself.
Fell and fearful thoughts enter my mind
As I face a diabolic foe.
Something evil whispers on the stairs
As I strive to exorcise the beast.
Fiery fingers close about my throat
As the demon tries to choke my words.
Courage fails and I flee the fortress
As Lucifer's spawn laughs on the stairs.
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Originally published in Trembles, Issue #1, January 2011.
Richard H. Fay currently resides in upstate New York with his wife, daughter, two cats, and a rather confused shepherd-chow mix. Formerly a laboratory technician-turned-home educator, Richard now spends his days juggling various writing and art projects. History, myth, legend, folklore, and true tales of the supernatural, all serve as inspiration for his creative endeavours. Many of the fruits of his labour have appeared in a variety of e-zines, print magazines, and anthologies. http://azurelionproductions.blogspot.com/