The Spirit of the Stairway
The present slips; the past never was

She lingers
where the world unravels,
a loose thread of time -
each step, a gamble in fate’s dark mouth.
Heads, you rise.
Tails, you’re swallowed.
-
She watches.
-
Veil of ink, hands of ghostlight.
A whisper caught in a closing door,
the hush of air before it locks.
You think you’re still—
but she knows better.
-
The present is just
the moment you surrender.
-
Go on then,
take the step, breach the frame.
Slip sideways—
into the crack between seconds.
The air hums—static, salt, something electric.
A breath, not your own, lingers in your throat.
-
She won’t stop you.
-
She never does.
-
But if you look back
(when you look back)
will she still be there—
or will you?
-
Or—
-
did you ever step at all?
.
About the Creator
Iris Obscura
Do I come across as crass?
Do you find me base?
Am I an intellectual?
Or an effed-up idiot savant spewing nonsense, like... *beep*
Is this even funny?
I suppose not. But, then again, why not?
Read on...
Also:
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes




Comments (2)
Haunting, but in that pretty way that makes you want more.
Oooo, this was so profound! Loved your poem!