Gaslight

 

Gaslight

 

A gaslight's hazy beam flickers

though the thick pea fog of London

grim gray shadows dance on cobbled streets

moon yet to rise to light my way

 

Feet slippery

I cling to deserted doorways

As I stretch shaking arms feeling my way 

I take cover from the drizzling sleet

Now chilling my bones to the bitter core

 

I listen and shudder as I hear eerie chimes in the

distance getting closer and closer

Then the sound of a horse and carriage

plunging through the soup night as if

Jack the Ripper himself was in pursuit

 

 

In my terrified mind I observe in a strangely

detached manner, concluding I have

been plummeted into another dimension...

Is this a dream and will I awaken from this ghastly nightmare soon?

Or, find myself in the shadows of the dark side of the moon?

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Helen M. Crutchett (All rights reserved)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading my words!

Reviews

[Norman 223]

Although I don't remember carriages in London, I am old enough to remember horse drawn milk carts , gaslight, cobbled streets and "pea soup" fogs. Your descriptions were convincing enough for me to recall those memories. Your hint of menace suggested that you are probably a "fan " of Sherlock Holmes, or Dickens, as Ned Kelly doesn't quite have the same ambience:-)
The different line lengths are very effective in creating the "flashes " of image that create a good sense of tension in the narrative.

Norman

[Helen Crutchett]

Thank you for your meaningful review Norman. Yes indeed I am great fan of Sherlock and Dickens! Ned Kelly pales into significance to those two lol.

I have a lot of 'pommie' blood running through me and hope to get to England one day.

Kind regards,

Helena :)

[Diane Lockard]

Helena, Great descriptions, I like the other world atmosphere as I enjoy reading stories and poems set in foggy London. Shades of Sherlock Holmes....
Thank you for your invitation; I look forward to exchanging ideas
Diane

[Helen Crutchett]

You are welcome Diane.....and many thanks for reading and reviewing "Gaslight'!

Helena