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 
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