Passing a place I felt compelled to the gate

something had drawn me to stop!

An irresistible urge to go inside the property

having to bang on the red door.

Waiting unable to move from that spot

on that nice day I was cold not hot!

I tried to move how I wanted to just run

but my body wouldn’t move.

The screams were trapped in my throat

why was I frozen here?

Shuffling noises from within approached

as my space was encroached!

I could now hardly breath as the door opened

a wrinkled old woman stared.

With deep black sunken eyes that glared

that pierced your soul!

As my body was drawn into the room

nearby was a witches broom!

Then it turned into a grim putrid hovel

as other witches appeared!

I lost consciousness at that very moment

waking up on a lino floor.

A middle aged lady staring down at me

as I looked up embarrassingly!

Helping me to a comfortable armchair

she told me I was not the first.

Who had been drawn to her front door

on this spot once it was said.

An evil witches coven had been found

but was burnt to the ground!

Seven witches were caught and put on trial

by the frightened villagers.

And here where this place now stands

they were burnt at the stake!

Saying they cursed the villagers evermore

descendants would knock the door!

As they alone would detect the witches call

realising I was caught here!

My mum gave me a locket I had to wear

said never take it off.

Unless I was compelled into a dwelling

and this story a lady telling!

Only then should I open the hinged locket

that contained the ashes!

Of the seven that died throw them in it’s face

then run and not look back!

I did as I was told running until I was tired

so long ago I’m now retired!

It was a big story in that town I use to live

a mystery fire had caused.

The destruction of the historical cottage

it was never solved!

But I gather there was no more trouble

a locket was found in the rubble!

The Foureyed Poet.