I traveled through a littered sea
of fiery waves
and singed debris
of floating fish
and bloated whales
sinking ships
orange plastic pails

I washed upon a familiar beach
where many gasped but couldn't reach
I slept for hours and days it seems
my life went by in familiar dreams

at last I had awoken
and saw a man in ancient wear
he told me in a thought unspoken
'the day is new
I will see you there'

he vanished from my hazy sight
the shoreline now was clean
save for one unfortunate soul
who's clothes seemed oddly pristine

my thoughts were scattered
yet his voice was clear
'find this soul a resting place
and bury him with your fear'

who is this man I wondered
face down in sand and sea
I gently rolled him over
and discovered it was me

the dead find me amusing
it's why they come around
they visit at their choosing
no time is out of bounds

they notice if you notice them
and there-in lay the key
they have no use for non-believers
or those who'd rather flee

once upon a gloomy night
I began a chat at 4am
this 100 year-old private school
that I protected
perhaps from them?

I rattled off the first few lines
of 'Roses are Red' down this long dark hall
and a spirit replied to his companion;
'He knows poetry' as if in awe!

The lone light flickered
and a chill rushed by
as I continued on my way

I had a good chuckle
and wished them well
we shall chat another day

Three people I know very well
confided in me today
they won't mind leaving
when their time comes
this life
this place
has suddenly become a world of old souls
fighting to adjust to a world of cold souls
how did we get here?
a nightmare has unfolded before us
we've lied to each other for so long
to mask what we all knew was coming

Dear Lord how we have fouled your precious gifts
we are soon to be
hopelessly
forever lost