The Craven
by Chris Gray
How's it going, tell me Deary, are you feeling weak and weary
Listen close and hear me, as I beg this man to pour
T'was such a night, like this last year, for sure was wanting some dark beer
I saw her enter without rapping, no not even tap tap tapping
Saw the visitor and shuddered, passing thru red painted door
Said she'd come for beer, and nothing more.
Quite certain was October, being nearly four weeks sober
Having vowed no pumpkin ale, again would pass into my core
Wishing then that from the morrow; perhaps an hour I could borrow
And ease the barkeep's sorrow – sorrow that he could not pour
That pumpkin spice concoction that I surely do abhor
Drink it - NAY, Nevermore
Yet at the sight of ghostly passing there was a fear amassing
As I watched her move unhindered - through the closed red door
Aye, my heart was rapid beating,my words here won't be repeating
As I watched the haunted vixen pass straight through that red paint door
The witch had walked right through that solid wooden door
Yes she did and that's fer shore
Gathering my wits about me, wondered what in fact I did see
“Hey,” said I, “dear Madam, t'was quite the entrance you just made”
Had I been inebriated, then I never would have stated
And perhaps we might have dated, but for passing through that door
That I'm certain sure I saw you - walk through unopened door
Looking in her eyes saw darkness, nothing more
​
Deep into those dark orbs peering, long I stood there, actually fearing,
Certain sure no mortal stood before me and red door
Deathly silent, no words spoken, throat was tight as if I'm chokin
Until finally silence broken by the haunting one word - “Pour”
Then I quickly like an echo looked at barkeep and squeaked “Pour!”
Can't you see she's come for beer and nothing more.
Edgar Allen was a Poe......et, surely everyone doth know et
For he could string together- stanzas by the score
You might wish that I were such, after tantalizing much
Would end this rhyme of terror with something satisfying more.
Yet it's your imagination to the depths must go explore
And I shall end it simply- Barkeep.... Teleporter - Pour!