Under the light of a thin crescent moon
two children walked onward, heading for home.
To watch younger cousin, the older agreed,
the younger one thrilled to just follow his lead.
’Twas just after dark when the movie had ended,
they exited theater to make their way back;
the street lights shone dim on the staircase ahead
past church into cemetery, the older now led.
Aware now it was getting late
the older suggested an alternate path
and so they passed through the iron gate
past shadowy headstones where the ‘undead’ await…
She tried to keep up in the eerie half light
she knew that their street wasn’t that far
as he ran up ahead, no longer in sight
—not a sound could be heard, not even a car.
And as he jumped out, she let out a scream
—he thought it was funny (he's really not mean)
It’s a wonder she didn’t faint then and there
at being the victim of impromptu scare!
The rest of the trip was spent trying to appease
with the offerings of bribes and apologies,
the older not wanting to face the wrath
for scaring his cousin on that darkened path
* * * * *
To this day, I can still recall
the shadowy path on that long ago night
when I thought that the undead had risen from hell,
my dear older cousin to thank for that fright!
© Ginny Brannan
True story, of being "allowed" to accompany my older cousin to a 7 pm movie, already dark out when movie ended. The shortest route home was the road was through the Episcopal church cemetery, a direct line between two streets.My cousins are great, but when not playing "big brother" to protect me, I am apparently "fair game" to be picked on.
* *Image of Immanuel Episcopal Church, Bellows Falls. Yes the actual church and cemetery. Apologies to the photographer who took this image. I found it online, and cannot seem to find it again. Name credit will be added when found.
