My family is Irish, so ghosts are a given:
ghost stories as a child; my father's ghost
smiling at me from behind the counter
at Long's Drug Store the summer he died;
the ghost I once shared a store with
who objected to our presence.
One morning, when my kids were young,
I woke to see a female ghost, smiling at me,
in the corner of my room. I smiled back,
unafraid, as she faded away.
A lot of things have scared me, in my life:
men, and things that happened to my kids.
My father, when I was young.
But when friendly female ghosts
crouch in my corners,
I welcome them as friends.
The dead don't scare me half as much
as the living (especially those without hearts
who are ruling parts of the world now.)
We are getting close to the witchy season. I am saving a very witchy poem for Halloween. I never watch scary movies or horror films. The scariest thing I watch these days is the news.

My goodness, Sherry! You have really had some experiences with ghosts, haven't you? I must admit I have never had any relationships with ghosts, but if I ever do, I hope it will be a female ghost!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree....the dead are not as scary as the living! A fine poem!
The dead don't scare me half as much
ReplyDeleteas the living. I agree.
I have had some paranormal experiences and I feel they come with messages most times.
I agree...
The dead don't scare me half as much
ReplyDeleteas the living - we really are in those times! Am not sure how I would react if I had a paranormal encounter... not sure I would believe it!
A personal journey conveyed with much dignity and insight. Jae
ReplyDeleteI never watch scary movies or horror films either. You are right , real life is scary enough. Good poem
ReplyDelete"But when friendly female ghosts
ReplyDeletecrouch in my corners,
I welcome them as friends."
I, too, and sometimes male ones. This is such a sweet poem. I like the corners and the smiles.
"The dead don't scare me half as much
ReplyDeleteas the living"--this is is so perfect.