you never see a ghost
except inside your fear
what you see at most
is an apparition unclear.
flickering lantern lights
casting shadows on the wall
were your childhood frights
in the half lit nightly lull.
you couldn't tell them lies
tales that grandma spun
glowworms were ghosts' eyes
that closed with morning sun.
they made a place in your head
broke all your resolves weak
eerie patterns moonlight made
wind's howls in bamboo's creak.
when the nights came
clock ticks gave a scare
you had to believe in them
you knew they were there.
are they now all dead
fantasy of child's mind
monsters below bed
footsteps heard behind?
some fears you still own
strangely hold them firm
and when you are alone
seek grandma's safety arm!