Ghosts that Persist

It’s far away
As a child in bed,
And ghosts in the hallway.

I'd tell the adults,
But if I did,
Mrs. Cruel would come
And sew up my lips.

In grandma’s room
Was Top Hat Harry—

He wasn’t misty or fuzzy,
But very clear

And solid enough
To fill me with fear.

...

We're all haunted
By other lives,
Especially those
Dearly departed;

A troupe
Of spirits
Follows me about

Hide in my art
And delight
To startle me.

They crayon
On my soul

And erase all doubt
About what is real
And what is not.

They're striped
With rain shadows
and whisper in flat tones

Linger in the darkness
Mute as dumbshows.