It's Up To You For M Lady Flora Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

The mist that crept in from the sea.
Advancing inexorably,
enveloped first the sandy beach.
Then well beyond the high tides reach

Invaded streets and avenues
the thoroughfares that people use.
To go about their business.
A wet and cold unpleasantness.

Which nobody had seen before
at least along that friendly shore.
Exuding sheer hostility
as if the demons of the sea.

Deciding that humanity.
had forfeited their right to be.
Had gathered there with one intent
to prove the sea omniscient.

The villagers were sore afraid
some cursed and swore while others prayed.
Though neither made much difference.
Against such mist there’s no defence.

The village disappeared from sight.
Hid by a mist as black as night.
When morning broke there was no one.
No body left to greet the sun.

Now to this day the village stands
although nobody understands.
What happened on that dreadful night
when the sea fret absorbed the light.

No one survived to tell the tale.
Enough to make the bravest quail.
Perhaps you think I’m telling lies
But you will find to your surprise.

If you should choose to visit me
from my front window you can see.
The evidence that what say
A village empty to this day.

Nobody dares to move into
the empty village and renew
a single house in which to live.
Because of legends kept alive.

By older folks who can recall
the night the demons came to call.
If you should wish to you could buy
the whole village and you could try.

To sell the houses one by one
if you’re convinced it can be done.
I think your work would be in vain
What happened once could come again.

To local folks it is taboo
and there is nothing you can do.
but try to sell to foreigners
Who do not know about the curse.

I own the site and I would sell
quite cheaply and I’d wish you well
If you’re prepared to take the chance
There’s been a change of circumstance.

For there are profits to be made.
Maybe the mist will not invade
maybe the tales I tell aren’t true
what you believe is up to you.

I am too old to change my ways
and I prefer to end my days
believing as I’ve always done.
This village should left alone.

24-Jul-08

http: // blog.myspace.com/poeticpiers