#Poetrychallenge – Haunt and spell

Flashes of brighter light jumped like brilliant lightning bolts from the ceiling to the floor and then the column of fire materialised.

As the incantation continued and the light and sound grew, Margaret felt strength flow into her body and muscles.

The pillar of light moved slowly across the room, gradually engulfing the poltergeists. The fire ran up their forms. Their faces became more and more anguished, a substance like blood poured from their ears and eyes. The sound reached a crescendo and each of them opened their mouths and screamed. The flames entered their gaping maws and were drawn down into their lungs. The pillar of flame continued to move and gradually crossed the floor and passed through the wall on the opposite side of the cellar. The ghosts stood where the column of fire had just been.

As Margaret watched a strange transformation took place in front of her amazed eyes. The ghosts started to diminish and shrink. Their faces became thin and gaunt and their bodies slowly shrivelled up, becoming smaller and smaller as she watched. Within moments the forms of the ghosts had collapsed in on themselves and all that remained were piles of smoking ashes.

An incantation

Performed with evil intent

Could cause vindictive

ghosts to materialise

With a disruptive purpose

This haibun was written for Colleen Chesebro’s weekly poetry challenge. You can join in the fun here: https://colleenchesebro.com/2018/10/23/colleens-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-107-haunt-spell-synonymsonly/