Snap. Crack
As I go to answer the door
I’m struck by something hanging on the wall
It’s a painting I’ve never seen before
.
The painting features a man
By the sea, sleeping on the rocks
He’s wearing a brown floppy hat
And half his face is blocked
.
Behind the sleeping man
A cottage has left its door ajar
And staring out the small space
Is the old lady watching from afar
.
Just a whisper of a vision
I look away and she is gone
Not disturbed by the disappearance,
The sleeping man sleeps on
.
I look again at the painting
The old woman has returned
This time standing on the rocks
Her intent is unconfirmed
.
Why is there never
Anyone else around
To see these strange things
That I have come across and found?
.
She has something in her hand
And the image begins to sway
But Sheila is still waiting
So I tear myself away
.
I finally open the door and
A black cat rushes past me
And when I look up to greet Sheila
I see the same floppy hat as the man by the sea
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©ElizabellaJones
