A Trio of Halloween Poems by R.H. Ekizian

In the spirit of the season, we share this trio of spooky poems written by R.H. Ekizian. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Raven’s Tap

By R.H.Ekizian

Upon the window pane, a tap, against the moonlit night,
A silhouette that caught my eye, had stared with horrid fright.

Pacing back and forth along my window sill, it beckoned,
Another rap upon the glass, this one had been the second.

It paused as if to listen close to something it just heard,
And rapped again, upon the glass, this counting as the third.

I tore myself from where I sat, and staring back I saw,
A shadow rise above the raven, bearing tooth, and claw.

I grabbed an axe that leaned against the wood stacked by the fire,
And turned to see the beast inside, as I was its desire.

The Bridge at Sleepy Hollow

By R.H.Ekizian

The sound of Shhh, came from behind, a warning to the others.

Who dare defy the stern commands, laid-out by their mothers.

“Don’t go near the covered bridge, not for any reason.

 Especially at this time of year, particularly this season.”

The moon had slipped behind a cloud, the dark enveloped fear.

The forest closing in on them, as they were drawing near.

 “Beware the headless Horseman,” read the words inscribed as such.

Which even made the bravest jump…at the slightest touch.

“Is the Legend true?” they asked, not sure about this tale,

not far ahead the bridge awaited, few were turning pale.

Forward they proceeded, feeling sure no-one would follow,

as they made their way toward the bridge at Sleepy Hollow.

In the darkness just ahead, upon the wooden planks,

were the footfalls of a horse, or someone’s foolish pranks.

A sudden burst of moonlight, showed the silhouetted dead,

the Horseman on his devil steed, with Jack o’ Lantern head.

The witching hour just began, on this “All Hallows Eve,”  

and on this night in Sleepy Hollow, not a soul would leave.

They never should have strayed away, just trick or treat near home.

But they were kids, and being kids, they simply had to roam.

Of a Curious Nature

By R.H.Ekizian

An envelope had caught my eye, slipped beneath my door.

“An invitation for a meeting…What the Devil for?”

 Naturally my curiosity would beg for more.

I poked my head out through the door, and saw no postman there,

Instead I saw a raven waiting, then take to the air.

When 1 finished reading, quite amazed at what was next,

the name of Edgar Allan Poe, no doubt I was perplexed.

I know his home is in the Bronx, I have been there before,

A tender ride by horse n’ carriage, right up to his door.

What troubles me is not the journey, that I’d do with ease,

but was instead the urgent nature, I read in his pleas.

***

I stopped at Sleepy Hollow, as my horse was needing rest,

and I myself a little tattered, as you may have guessed.

I came upon an inn, a bit of respite to my travels.

A chance to ponder on this mystery, and how it unravels.

A man had introduced himself, “lchabod’s my name:’

and if my memory serves me well, he topped it off with “Crane!”

He told a tale, the best I’ve heard, while swilling down some ale,

and much to my amazement, I had watched him turning pale.

Speaking of a horseman, for this horseman had no head,

although they roamed the countryside, both man and horse were dead.

Deciding I would leave this place, before the sun went down,

I chose to cross the covered bridge, “historically renown.”

Upon the bridge, the raven chattered, curious…no doubt,

and bade that I should follow him, my horse and I set out.

***

The rustling of the autumn leaves, and clip clop from my horse,

had conjured up a melody, I’d solemnly endorse.

Twilight came upon us, as we neared the house of Poe,

Encouraged by the raven, as we had not far to go.

A rain drop touched upon my head, another few had fallen,

I gave the reins a little shake, to keep my horse from stall’n.

We reached the cottage just in time. I rapped upon his door.

Which opened none too soon for me, the rain began to pour.

I saw a look in Edgar’s eyes, I’ve never seen before.

He grabbed me by the collar, then went on to slam the door.

Never, ever in my life, I’d seen a man look stranger.

That moment I had realized, the magnitude of danger.

All the stories he had written, I had just surmised,

he conjured from imagination, and what it implies.

This was not what I expected, when I read his letter,

I kind of hoped that when I got here…things had gotten better.

I helped him close the shutters, as we braced for what’s in store.

The raven perched upon the mantle, staring at the door.

And after all he’d done, he did no more.

***

It started as a scraping sound, that followed with a boom,

And rattled every single thing, there was inside the room.

Then there came a rumbling, which we felt right through the floor,

And just when I had thought it left, it hit us with some more.

All the time we fought and fended off this thing outside,

I thought about the headless horseman, and the steed he’d ride.

This lifeless thing that carried him across the countryside.

I could not tell the hour…nor was it on my mind.

For all of my attention’s on it, coming from behind.

I slowly turned toward the sound, circling round the house,

The raven still upon his perch, quiet as a mouse.

“Raven” I had shouted out, “What evil are you brew’n?

Your guilt might go unnoticed…but all this is your do’n.

The letter was in Edgar’s hand, though something is amiss,

He sent for me this much is clear, but you’re the catalyst.

You brought me here this very day, for which I do believe,

was wrought with bad intentions…on this All Hallows Eve.”

He fluttered with amazement, knowing I had called his bluff,

that two to one, and him real small…things were getting rough.

He flew across the room, and started pecking at the door,

and muttering a woman’s name, I think it was Lenore!

Edgar, at that moment, had a look as though he knew,

But stood there in confusion, not knowing what to do.

Something on the outside of that door, was coming through.

So I grabbed the flintlock, cocked it back, and blew that bird in two.

Such a silence fell on us, although our ears were ringing,

and faintly through that ringing sound, I heard a woman singing.

Never had I seen a man, fill with such elation…

He was through that door, with not a moment’s hesitation.

Bright, the morning light was beaming, through that open door.

Once more, a voice long gone is heard,

Dancing on the air.

Beware, this raven should he call.

Beware I do implore…

As I cannot say how long it’s been,

Since last we’d seen Lenore.