It was a mansion--a beauty to behold--
Though no one lived there for many years
There is a story to be told.

The owner guarded and protected it
Yet his form was only seen
In a portrait hung high
Above the fireplace screen

A tall man in uniform--proud--
With mighty sword in hand
Who kept his domain from harm
For nearly a half-century

It's said one dark night--
A cold, eerie Halloween
Three prowlers entered
To destroy and steal

The next morn a passerby
Found a man--barely alive--
Lying on the road
Who told a gruesome tale

"Look inside, if you will,
Two bodies to be found--
Slain with the sword."
Then he closed his eyes and died

Passerby stood at door, looked inside,
Found two bodies, but no weapon around
Then he looked up high
Saw the portrait's mighty sword

And the red blood that had dripped down!

written 10-09-10-2003
Copyright@2003 Marie L.Sellers