Dolls In The Attic

A Poem by Tom Friel

Dolls in the attic
Rocking chairs that move
Old records begin to play
Creaky stairs, dogs that fight
A farmer bailing hay
Candles in the air
A full length mirror

You know, there’s someone there

A chandelier, a treasure chest
Old letters bring a tear
A dried corsage, a wedding dress
A tuxedo stained with beer
Mischievous deeds, angry thoughts
So much time still living here
Eerie lights, dogs that hide

You know, what it is they fear

Broken dreams, broken screens
Acres shaded green
Skies above heavy with tears
Children share a worn out swing
Softly singing, souls still clinging
Staring stoically, from the mirror
A rusty gate, a hellish wait

You know, with night walks fear

A broken vase, an empty face
Silence becomes the scream
Damn this house, damn this place
The dinner bell begins to ring
Beady eyes, rats and flies
Old dolls begin to blink
Languished hearts, tormented souls

You know, you're on the brink