They danced and laughed

Frolicking on the way,

Trying to conceal their silent fears.

No one knew what was there,

The oldest knew only

That someone had been there.

Their laughter became forced,

Their dancing a walk.

Silence overtook them.

The place loomed large before them.

The youngest, full of false courage

Strutted in,

The rest hesitantly followed,

Leaving the doorway standing open in a silent yawn ...

Joanna Ballard - May 17, 1980