The grandfather chimes a weighty thrum
twelve times the resounding resonance
reverberating through the frigid floorboards

.... a minute more passes
the shadow of winters shivering chill encroaches
a degree further within
greeting all inside
with a scent of dew decaying

Something scurries through the darkness
stealing across the decrepit floorboards
inking out a damp trail
that stains the unsettled dust
deeply with sinews of ghostly remembrance
tracing over the faded scars of blood long dead
since moulded into telltale etchings
that feed the story of that which had befallen

Once here there dwelt a simple family in gentle repose
seemingly content with life faired even
yet neath the creaking trees lain for foundation
the whispers lingered on from ages worn past
and by and by they grew with cherished root
to be suckled in the minds womb
draw sustenance through nourishing by eve
rising up at hush of day
to dispel the warmth of living sun
drive it from these same walls
with promises of despair leeched from hollowed veins

One night arose the certain taint of curdled wail
strange sights unseen since time immortal awoken
lashing out upon the innocence laid bare
rending tendon with no shame of tenderness
separating soul in shards of tortured anguish
till nought but internals lay in quiet monument

.... this humble abode
built upon the stairway .... to abyss