A/N: This is a poem written from the perspective of the bathtub lady in The Shining. I've never seen the movies (without having a blanket over my head), but I've read the book several times, and this character always intrigued me. I thought I'd just try and get into her head. She's probably the most memorable (and creepy) part of the entire book, though I also liked the part in the playground when Danny goes into the tunnel.
Anyway, this was sort of an experiment, so I understand if you don't like it. Either way, I'd love some feedback.
A smooth white coffin in a tiled tomb.
Dimmed light reflected off of polished metal:
hot and cold in gilded script glitters with its kiss.
The cruel dome of the sky is obliterated by white plaster
and the door stands ajar.
I am here.
Heavy tracings of purple bruises, like butterfly wings or
silent creatures slithering up the jaw to look
upon a bloated tongue and
frosted eyes; round as marbles from a children's game.
Swirls of green and blue and red; long yellowed fingers like swollen words.
A breath of sinew,
a touch of bone, the splinters bleached like hospital walls.
You returned for me too late, and I was only able to greet you with
a chip-toothed grin gummed with ivory.
Come, it said to you. Come join me.
Lie with me and we shall be two.
Sing to me as you did before.
I have been waiting.
And I offered arms freckled with holes,
like apartment buildings for maggots;
Stretched flayed fingers towards the soft curve of your cheek.
And you held me.