My Visitor (Poetry)

I think I heard the whispered breath
of someone sitting in that room
although I was the last soul left
and lingered lonely in the gloom

It’s possible my ear mistook
the sound for more than a chill draught
yet curious I turned to look
and squinted keenly fore and aft

I’d been asleep I must admit
and drowsy still I could not swear
nor clearly see the shape of it
but sensed a shadow lurking there

‘If you’re a ghost then tell your name’
my voice rang hollow — shook with fear
to my relief no answer came
or no response that I could hear

I waited breathless far from sure
I was alone while time went on
and stretched what patience could endure
the more I prayed it might be gone

Not so — for then I heard a sigh
distinct as any other sound
I could in truth identify
as all my thoughts went spinning round

Sheer panic gripped me and I fell
from off my chair onto the floor
in shock gave out a muffled yell
then scrambled blindly for the door

I cannot say why I looked back
but clear against the window set
a figure tall sharp-etched in black
and winged in perfect silhouette

It vanished in a quiet rush
of scented air that smelt the same
as forests in the dawn-damp hush
that followed a long night of rain

That’s all — there is no more to tell
it happened many years ago
the details I recall as well
as anything the heart must know

But why that angel called on me
his purpose I can only guess
for it remains a mystery
I’m none the wiser I confess