Black Lake of Death

The head of a child

Sunk beneath the waters, 

Of Black Death lake.

Its hollow eyes 

Had stared me in the face.

Its pale skin terrified me. 

The ghost child disappeared

As quietly as it came. 

Leaving me with  a sinking feeling 

Like a draining drain. 

I began to row ashore 

When it appeared again 

This time with some friends. 

They all wore a grin 

That was full of devilry. 

My throat went dry 

When I saw them. 

I feared for what they planned.

The children came up close

As if to say hello, 

But rather they took the boat 

And flipped upside down. 

All I remember while I sunk, 

In the dark water

Was the warning I'd been given 

At twelve O'clock, 

"Don't go out today 

You will get a fright."   

I heeded not the warning, 

Now it serves me right.

By Evelyn Creon