Forever with unopened eye
He said, “Let’s take the shortcut through the graveyard.”
I wish he hadn’t.
The lych-gate groaned (at least I assumed it was the gate…)
“That needs oil.”
“I reckon no one uses it much…”
“It’s getting dark, Mark. We need to hurry.”
“Mark?” I look around. ‘That idiot is always playing tricks on me!’
“Mark?”
A chill wind sliced into me like a spear carved in ice. I couldn’t breathe.
I spin round and round, peering through a clawing, damp mist. A mist that wasn’t there one minute ago.
‘What’s going on?’
“Mark!” I called his name like a banshee, screaming.
“Mark!”
The reply I got was a wail from somewhere…
I ran. I tripped and fell flat on my face onto a moss-covered ledger. Carved into the ancient stone, I read,
I pray to God that she may lie
Forever with unopened eye.
Lesley Scoble, June 2024
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you, Melissa Lemay, for your brilliant d’Verse prosery prompt to write a prosery of 144 words including Edgar Allan Poe’s lines from his poem, The Sleeper, I pray to God that she may lie. Forever with unopened eye.
Please may I have another Raven from the bar? I’ve taken rather a liking to it.
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
28 responses to “Forever with unopened eye: a prosery of 144 words”
Oh hope cleverly you’ve used this line. Excellent Lesley
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Oh thank you, Sadje! ❤️ xxx
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You’re very welcome
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💖☺️
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I wish there was an emoji of a black or dark blue drink so I could line them up for you.😅 Alas… so here are some more Ravens.🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛ Be careful on your way home. Don’t venture through any graveyards! Wonderful Prosery. Gave me the chills!🥶
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Shivers
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🖤Thanks Debi.🖤
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If this had happened in the middle of Tesco, it wouldn’t have been nearly as scary!
Nice one, Lesley! I love your take on the prompt. Downright spooky. Well done!
🖤🐦⬛🖤
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Now there’s a thought. What if she fled down aisle number six and fell on a stack of Monster Munches…
Thanks, Nancy! 🖤 xx
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Ooh, I’m getting the chills already! xx
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😂
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Your painting reminds me of the cemetary painting story srarring Roddy McDowell & Ossie Davis from the pilot episode of Rod Serlings Night Gallery 😊
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oooh this was chilling – well done 💞
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I love the painting, and the mood of the scary story… at first when I saw the painting I was reminded of the beginning of the book “Rebecca” – Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.
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Oh wow, thanks, Björn. That’s a favourite book and film of mine! 🖤
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😱 Lesley 😱
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😁 David 😁
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🙈
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E.A. Poe—Is it the season for Poe?
spooky, Ms. Lesley. Gave me a fright.
great writing. Great art work.
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Spooky and so good, Lesley! 👏🏻
I grew up not too far from a cemetery. I haven’t given too much thought as to the countless stories buried there. 🪦
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Thank you, Michele! Glad you felt spooked 👻😆
Cemeteries are great places for wildlife too….
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You’re welcome! Love your work. That is a great point! 🦉
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We have foxes 🦊 in our local one… and woodpeckers… 🧡
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How wonderful to see a fox, anywhere! I could spend hours watching, writing, and listening in that setting. ✨
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Hi Leslie, what a cliff hanger. A great piece.
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Hi Robbie, Thank you ☺️🧡
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To use a cliche – it’s a banger of a story Lesley, the way you’ve used the line is such a clever ending.
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I love clichés when they’re as complimentary as this! Thank you so much, Paul ❤️
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