The Widow's Cottage

Kurt Newton

The cottage sat on the edge of a cliff
above the swirling sea.
It was made of stone and cedar
and was once the home of a lady
by the name of Marilee.

Marilee was married to a fisherman
who left one early morn, never to return.
A sudden storm was blamed.
A wake was held at the edge of the sea
for all who lost their lives that day.

For years, Marilee lived alone,
and it was said her voice was heard
talking now and again,
as if someone else were in the cottage,
though no one was ever seen. 

And when the fisherman’s widow
disappeared one day, never to return,
it was commonly believed
that she had found herself cold comfort
in the arms of the swirling sea.

The Widow’s Cottage, as it’s called now,
has been empty ever since.
Death is always the deterrent when
prospective buyers overhear
the rumors that still persist.

It is said, that late at night,
one can see candlelight flicker
behind the shuttered window boards,
and wet footprints have been discovered
leading to and from the door.

For most, it’s just as well
and the cottage should be left alone
above the somber, swirling sea.
No one can call it home
because it still belongs to Marilee.

Kurt Newton’s poetry has appeared in Spectral Realms, Penumbra, Bleed Error, Cold Signal, and in the anthologies Dangerous Waters, Superstitions, and Wicked Sick. His collection, Songs of the Underland, was published last year by Ravens Quoth Press. Another collection, A Troubled Sleep, was recently published by back room poetry (UK).

“The Widow’s Cottage” by Kurt Newton © 2023