Was a derogation of everything

that was reflected in front of its’

cracked appearance – did show

what sinister things had transpired.

The mirror sat on the mantle over

the fireplace, and like the burning

logs, it gave off little warmth; instead

left the room rather cold and surreal.

The old Victorian had been passed

down from generation to generation

Along with all the disturbing secrets

that were hidden in the home’s past.

All one would have to do is look into

the mirror and see all the horror that

had precipitated in a bygone era – an

assortment of suicides and killings.

And to insure that none of the secrets

would ever leave, on stormy nights, the

past came to life – previous occupants

would arise and come out thru the mirror.

Well-equipped to permanently silence

all would be blabbermouths – would do

things like remove tongues; mangle hands

so one couldn’t write; or cause heart failure.

If worst came to worst, the ghosts from a

a disturbing past would drag one from their

bed and throw them into the fireplace atop

hot embers; or pull their carcass into the mirror.

Several attempts were made to remove the

seeing glass, or throw it into the fireplace; all

attempts failed – the following day, it was right

back atop the mantle, watching one’s every move.

Then one new generation came along and

decided not to move in, but rather into a new

home in another state – mistake; the mirror was

sitting on their fireplace mantle the following mourn.

‘2009’ RLS