gargoyles
CANDLES ON THE WALLS

The candles on these walls
throw shadows down the halls.
Shadows that float in the air,
horrors that I cannot bear.
Soft sighs follow in their wake,
my insides begin to quake.
Gargoyles stare at us from above,
I’m thrust forward by a hard shove.
Revolving rooms lead us through a maze.
I follow along, lost in a daze.
I ask, “How do we get out of here?”
My hands covering my face in fear.
Am I standing in a flood?
I look down at all the blood.
It flows from the indoor pool.
As you know I’m not a fool.
I’m out of here as quick as can be.
There’s nothing else I want to see.
THE DEAD GAME by Susanne Leist
DARK AS SIN

Friday the 13th is here.
There is nothing to fear.
My gargoyle friends are waiting.
Their stares are somewhat scathing.
But the night is still young.
The noose is already hung.
Bats fly around the old house.
They squeak like a little mouse.
Lightning sizzles as it plays.
Over the dark house, it stays.
Thunder rumbles in pain.
Loud noises but no rain.
The door opens wide.
There’s no place to hide.
We might as well go in.
inside looks dark as sin.
THE DEAD GAME
THE DOOR LOCKS

Kingdom Come
It welcomes.
It creaks.
It sighs.
Its door opens.
Candlelight streams out.
We peek inside.
Grim faces stare back.
Gargoyles stand sentinel
along the curving staircase.
The wind brushes our skin
with its unseen fingers.
Candles light the way
down the right hall.
Shadows move and sway
with the flickering candles.
The door locks behind us.
We’re in for the ride.
End House has spoken.
THE DEAD GAME
Kindle
Nook
THE EVIL STAIRCASE

No one answers our knock.
The front door drifts open.
I step into the dark hallway.
My friends close behind.
A dark staircase looms above us.
Gargoyles stand guard along its banisters.
Lights flicker from the right hallway.
A cold draft hits our left shoulders.
What should we do?
Read The Dead Game to find out.
THE DEAD GAME by Susanne Leist
A HAUNTED PARTY
A party at End House.
A surprise party for us.
It’s dark inside.
And deserted.
Look at the curving staircase.
Creepy gargoyle stand guard.
Look over there.
Candles light the way.
Down the long hallway.
Let’s follow them.
A door to the basement.
The door slams shut behind us.
And locks.
The stairs are slippery.
Why are my feet are wet?
We’re standing in cold water.
What’s that noise?
Machines creaking.
Cages are descending.
They have pointy edges.
Circular saws sweep across the water.
Help!
THE DEAD GAME
Kindle
Nook
FOLLOW THE CANDLES
THE CANDLES
Candles climb up the stairs.
Sentries of the dark night.
A deserted house in the woods.
Peeling wallpaper and dirty floors.
We were invited to a party.
But there’s no host to greet us.
More candles line the hallway to the right.
Their lights flicker on the grey walls.
Empty rooms greet our hesitant steps.
An open door leads to the basement.
Thick darkness beckons from below.
I suggest we get out while we can.
Hey, guys!
Don’t leave me here by myself.
THE DEAD GAME
Kindle
Nook
THE STAIRCASE

THE STAIRCASE
Follow the gargoyles to their master.
Follow the staircase to its source.
Take me down under
To the darkness in us all.
Beneath End House lies the answers
To questions asked from times gone by.
The unearthly dungeons and mazes
Will lead our way through hell and beyond.
I know others have gone before me
To the place deep in the earth.
The door will open for me
And no other before or after.
Hell has unleashed its prized possessions
To torment the innocent and needy.
Even with their human bodies
They cannot hide forever from my wrath.
OUR GAMES HAVE JUST BEGUN
THE DEAD GAME
DARK AS SIN

Friday the 13th is here.
There is nothing to fear.
My gargoyle friends are waiting.
Their stares are somewhat scathing.
But the night is still young.
The noose is already hung.
Bats fly around the old house.
They squeak like a little mouse.
Lightning sizzles as it plays.
Over the dark house it stays.
Thunder rumbles in pain.
Loud noises but no rain.
The door opens wide.
There’s no place to hide.
We might as well go in.
inside looks dark as sin.
THE DEAD GAME