Ghosts

When I was a child

I saw faces in the curtains

Scowls of monsters in the dark

Circling in the fabric

Ghosts under the bed

Hairy men in the closet

Winged spirits in the cupboard

Fearing the night

When I was grown up

I saw faces in the crowds

Scowls of people going to work

Circling in the trains

Squashed under someone’s head

Hairy men standing too close

Wanting wings to escape

Desiring the night

When I was old

I saw faces in the street

Smiles of people dreaming away

Circling inside their minds

Remembering the ghosts

And hairy men in the closet

Winged spirits in the next life

Welcoming me.

copyright Vickie Johnstone