(inspired by the photo prompt)

I wandered one day in the forest,

feeling as if I was led,

when I heard what sounded like music

from a piano somewhere up ahead.

 

I followed the strains of the melody

drawing me deeper into the wood.

The song strangely haunting, familiar –

inspired by evil or good?

 

The trees seemed to gather around me,

the path I had trod turned to sand

when there in a clearing before me

stood a decrepit, upright grand.

 

How had this tired old fellow

come to this desolate glade

his torso filled with dry, brown leaves

his keys no longer played?

 

I felt a presence answer me

as I cautiously lingered there,

“I’ve called you to be with me

I’m the love you’ve sought elsewhere.”

 

A chill ran through my body

when I heard the specter speak.

I turned to run away from there,

my lungs let out a shriek.

 

I raced out of the forest

escaping from that hell,

I still could hear the music

coming from the haunted shell.

 

I look back on that frightful day

and question, was it real,

as I sit here with my lover

tickling ivories with zeal.