Something lurks in the obsidian atmosphere
above the quaint town
as fog creeps in tandem with the night tides.
Whistling winds
sway the chimes and the bobs at the wavering docs,
draining still silence from empty streets.
The theater smells of a handsome fellow
cloaked in a white tux and smoldering jaw,
who dances in mirrors
and paints with shadows in the corner of your eye.
The doorknobs turn themselves,
the empty hallways shriek the loudest.
The lighthouse, a columbarium
leaks ectoplasm from its barnacle covered bricks.
Protecting its honorary lighthouse keepers
as ships miss its lights
and perform vanishing acts upon the deep waters,
leaving phantoms in the night
to be dashed against the rocks
and to creep upon the skeleton of the wreckage.
The moon drags Cthulhu’s silhouette across the ocean floor
as cosmic chaos implodes
in the sleepy town
that never sleeps.
© Copyright Samantha Rose 2018
[Astoria is a coastal town in the state of Oregon, rumored along with many of its surrounding areas to be haunted by various creatures and spirits. To read more about the haunting history and ghost stories of Astoria, click HERE.]
You can catch more of Samantha existing at her blog, Existential Poetry.
Empty hallways shriek the loudest.
They do, don’t they.
Magical.
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And always at night, it seems. Thank you once again ❤️
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Excellent ! Gives an eerie feeling 👏👍
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Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
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I am familiar with the name, but from a game I used to play. Your poem truly started to make me feel the dark magic associated with it. I truly love this part:
“The theater smells of a handsome fellow
cloaked in a white tux and smoldering jaw,
who dances in mirrors”
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Thank you, Wulf! That’s so interesting – what sort of game was it?
And I am so happy you liked it!
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It was a Superhero MMO called City of Heroes. One of the zones you went to was called Dark Astoria.
https://paragonwiki.com/wiki/Dark_Astoria
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That looks so interesting! I’ll have to check it out some more. Thank you for sharing it!
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Samantha, this piece continues to show your range as a writer. It is eeriness in motion. It is story that dances across the landscape of a darkened ocean. It makes me feel both afraid and curious, tantalized. There is so much gorgeous language….”paints with shadows in the corner of your eye” and “perform vanishing acts on the deep waters” A great read!
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Thank you, Susan. Your words mean a lot, as you already know. I’m glad it had that creeping effect; it was certainly what I was aiming for. 🙂 I’m very happy that you enjoyed it!
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This is the one I was looking for–love it. It’s like a wonderful nightmarescape–eerie but so enticing!
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Thank you so much! I’m so very happy that you enjoyed it. It was time for me to make something eerie!
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Reblogged this on Existential Poetry.
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I really like the Gothic overtones to this piece – who knows what spirits lurk in the shadows?
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Thank you, Chris! I actually had visited the coast recently, noticing that from a certain perspective, coastal towns appear eerie. So I was inspired so research legends surrounding the town, and sure enough – lots of stuff regarding stories of hauntings.
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This is so creepily beautiful. Such descriptive phrases reminded me of the movie The Fog, the original version. This is such great work Samantha.
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And thank you for the link to Clementine’s Bed & Breakfast with more information on Astoria. ☺
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Thank you, Walt! I remember that movie, and can totally see how it reminds you of The Fog. And yes – I love a good history lesson!
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You’re welcome. I’m so glad you researched it. I love tales of hauntings from history.
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You caught my attention mentioning Obsidian and Cthulhu, which combine my love of the Igneous world and H.P. Lovecraft at the same time!
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That’s wonderful! I’m glad you found meaning in those things, and I am also quite happy you enjoyed this piece!
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Thank you for stopping by, glad you enjoyed reading this poem. I am going to have to take time out and further explore your poem nothing like an education first thing in the morning. I am off now to be further educated and hit on the follow button.
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Thank you for stopping by, Chris! Much appreciated!
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Excellent imagery, and created a quietly spooky atmosphere. “If Only Walls Could Talk”
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Thank you so much! Very much the vibe I was going for!
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Writers often speak about finding their voice- I, however, like ones who have more than one. Whether you’re writing about depression, activism, or horror, as you’ve so beautifully written about here; I know your work will elevate the reader. We’re fortunate to watch you in action during your formative years. Absolutely loved this gothic tale.
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Thank you so much. I truly appreciate that – it’s so freeing to be able to speak in different voices, and I’m so happy that it works for you. Thank you for your ever present encouragement.
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You’re very welcome.
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