Blow after blow, knowing only hate,

His soul does not rest,

Blow after blow sealed a wicked fate, Trapped in his home, Satan’s test.

Unseen in his chair, hated father,

His own long since dead,

Trapped in hell with his dear, cold mother, Trapped in hell, demon’s fed.

In time he learns new tricks to be seen,

Flutters on linen,

New-born grandchildren eyes open; keen, Rips off blankets, more sinning.

Rising smoke drifts at night eerily,

Cutlery does fly,

He touches Cat’s double creepily, Pulls his grandchildren up high.

Lights flicker late, dark shadows emerge,

Never seen before,

The old man seeks meaning; his last urge, Dragging the baby much more.

Whispered tones flow through the monitors, Her hair stands on end,

She runs through the house; cruel intruders, Calls the priest as a dear friend.

Husband skeptical as house is blessed,

Prays in solitude,

Hears voices behind the walls, so stressed, Old man feels ingratitude.

Restless man, fearful family; his,

Wants to be noticed,

Needs to be remembered well; sadness, The baby cries ill; smoke’s mist.

Medics called, urgently; dire screams,

Old man witnesses,

Follows closely; dimly lit dreams, Cries for baby, witnesses.

Offers his wicked soul for young life,

Medics in the room,

Corridor light flickers; life for life, He emerges from the room.

Father so sullen, before son’s wife,

His spirit nods kindly,

Disappears to save the young one’s life, Ward in darkness, medics flee.

Doors lock down; electric storm halts all,

Son and wife stare shocked, Father stands over the cot’s angel, Wife shakes, but the door is locked.

Lights flicker, hair rises, madding screams,

She fights for baby,

Father sacrifices, like his dreams, Wife and son saw him; maybe.

Electric restores; lights, people rush,

Baby once at death’s gate,

Gurgles and wriggles, doctors soon hush, A miracle, or his fate.

The old man’s ravaged soul enlightens,

A life with meaning,

At last granted peace, his soul heightens, Drifting high beyond the ceiling.

Rising above, gifted with adoring feeling. And the baby watches her Grandfather’s bittersweet leaving.