Defeated Story Poem For M Lady Ernestine Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

A yellowed skull, still on display
above the oaken fire place
A relic from a by gone day.
Which it is possible to trace

back for five hundred years or more.
I hate the thing my host explains
grotesque against modern décor.
It can’t be moved or it complains.

The house re- echoes to its screams.
Until its back in place once more.
It’s been a fixture now it seems
Since fifteen hundred sixty four

Although it has been exorcised
and given Christian burial.
It’s very quickly recognised
there’ll be no peace until the skull

Is returned to its proper place
upon the panelled chimney breast
. A fact all owners have to face.
Though some have put it to the test.

It’s not a conversation piece.
Although subject of fierce debate.
If it is moved its screams won’t cease
until it hangs above the grate

The legend says he was betrayed
and murdered by an enemy.
Who had seduced a serving maid
who had allowed him free entry.

This story can’t be verified
No written records still remain
But I for one am terrified
and will not try to move again.

This yellowed skull from long ago,
which hangs above the fireplace.
That’s why it is there still on show
The passing years can not erase.

The skulls determination
to rest in peace just where it is
on open exhibition.
No power on earth can alter this.

The skull remains though owners change.
This ugly object quietly
defies attempts to re-arrange
ideas of where it ought to be.

In time it will disintegrate
into a pile of brownish dust
But until the we have to wait
It is quite obvious we must.

Although you think to humour me
by listening to this eerie tale.
I will admit quite openly
That’s why this house is up for sale.

I can no longer stand the skull
which grins above the mantel piece.
Although the house is beautiful
I never have a moment’s peace.

Because I’m not the master here
It seems the skull has laid its claim
allows no one to interfere.
The previous owners felt the same.

I bought it a discount price
Although I knew its history
I thought my knowledge would suffice
to solve the mystery easily..

I’ve had enough I must confess
The screaming skull has won again.
Now I would sell the house for less
than what I paid: I would regain

the peace of mind I used to know.
Before I bought this residence
that housed a skull from long ago.
I should have used my common sense.

I dismissed as an old wives tale
The legend of the screaming skull.
I little thought my dream would fail.
I thought the house was wonderful.

I’ll have to leave I cannot bear
to stay another single day
I fear the yellowed skulls cold stare
Has driven many men away.

The house has stood for centuries
Had many owners in its time.
The house itself is sure to please
but for the skull would be sublime..

This grinning relic from the past
Is the real ruler of this place.
His reign it seems is sure to last
A fact I can no longer face.

11-Mar-09
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