Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

GHOSTS
I am almost afraid of the wind out there. The dead leaves

skip on the porches bare, The windows clatter and whine.

I sit here in the quiet house. low-lit. With the clock that

ticks and the books that stand. Wise and silent, on every hand.

I am almost afraid; though I know the night Lets no ghosts walk

in the warm lamplight. Yet ghosts there are; and they blow, they

blow, Out in the wind and the scattering snow.- When I open

the windows and go to bed, Will the ghosts come In and stand at

my head?

Last night I dreamed they came back again. I heard

them talking; I saw them plain. They hugged me and held me

and loved me; spoke Of happy doings and friendly folk. They

seemed to have journeyed a week away, but now they were

ready and glad to stay.

But, oh, if they came on the wind to-night

Could I bear their faces, their garments white Blown in the dark

around my lonely bed? Oh, could I forgive them for being dead?

I am almost afraid of the wind. My shame! That I would not be

if my dear ones came!

-Fannie Stearns Davis

(1884-1966)