Out of the room
steeped in shadowy haze
over the landing, so softly it plays
she tiptoes behind it
whispering prayers
and follows the notes as it floats down the stairs.

It plays in the hall
like a beckoning hand
sends a small shiver to shake the coat stand
rising and falling
seductive and low
it sinks to the cellar to call from below.

Onward and down
with a candle, she treads
she can hear each cadence weave insiduous threads
she sees the piano
but no-one is there
while the keys rise and fall as if pounded by air.

Deep in the dark
lie unspeakable things
that travel on bellies or leathery wings
the piano is solid
with no place to hide
and yet becomes able to slither and glide.

She is edging away
with her back to the wall
the piano moves on with its soft siren call
gliding faster and faster
with notes yet more hushed
then a terrible scream, as the lady is crushed!

In a junk shop
in a shadowy nook
whenever a customer troubles to look
the piano stands silent
awaiting the day
when a new music lover will take it away.