From CHANCE OF A GHOST, Helicon Nine Editions
(
www.heliconnine.com)
WHAT THE CHILDREN STILL BELIEVE
There's a ghost under the bed,
waiting to drain the blood
from the soles of your feet.
This is the reason you always
keep your feet covered.
There's another ghost in the closet,
but if you sleep facing the door
he can't get out.
Turning your face to the wall
would be fatal. Leaving a light on
will always foil ghosts, but if
you must be in the dark,
then look towards the door.
You never taught them these things.
Somehow they always know them.
There's a skeleton under the house,
buried a hundred years.
At night you can hear the bones
rattle and stir.
It has flames instead of eyes,
and a tongueless voice
that murmurs and sings:
"Here in the cellar we're waiting,
rags and clattery bones!
rags and clattery bones!
When we come out to dance
one night you will have to join us,
ready or not! ready or not!
Here in the damp we are waiting.
This is the song of the bones
you have not yet forgotten.
-GW
Threaded Mode
