Ghosts

Ghosts often haunt us--

Ghosts of the past--

Bearing down upon us

Like a winter blast,

 

Or steadily prodding us

As a constant threat

To see if our response is

Insouciance or regret.

 

Lurking around a corner,

They're there lying in wait

To test our ability

To circumnavigate.

 

Appearing out of nowhere

When we least expect them,

They dare us to try

To avoid or reject them.

 

Though we thought that they

Were buried long ago,

Their recurring visits

Cause more grief and woe.

 

Sometimes causing panic,

Sometimes causing dread,

They reappear as though

They've come back from the dead.

 

They take away our breath

Or chill us to the bone

Whether we're in public

Or at home alone.

 

Sometimes in a nightmare

Or in a crazy dream

We recognize their presence

With a stifled scream.

 

Running makes no difference.

They're always close behind us,

Or even up ahead;

Somehow they will find us.

 

Once we stop running

And stand in one place

And grab each phantom

And stare it in the face,

 

Then and only then

The ghosts disappear,

And we regain our power

And conquer our deep fear.

 

(12-19-16)