Ghost

I slink by and wonder if the shadows play tricks. Let’s take a tour.

The dining room is constantly cold. Doesn’t matter how many electrical heaters I put in there, the chill seeps through my jumper and I do not like it one bit.

Go on through. Ha. I should be a travel guide. This way, ladies and gentlemen. Follow me to the tavern of ghouls and goblins. A tenner a pop. Switch on your phone cameras and live the terror of nothingness. Darkness brings out the demons, but only in your questioning heads. You want it so you will pay for it.

Onwards to the living room. The gaudy carpets defy the beautiful gothic fireplace. 

Step right up. Here, you can hear the sound of piano music played by mystical beings from yesteryear. Celtic jigs and Chopin. Just listen. No? It’s too early. Stick around. The guitar sits in the corner and is played after half a bottle of whisky. The strings are strummed effortlessly. Add the harmonica, bodhrán and the accordion and this room is alive with hope. Nostalgia and hope. Spirits flee in fear.

Enough? The kitchen is safe. No worries there. Needless to embark on the life and soul of the house. The room of life and nutrition. Animal husbandry. A generous term to afford the raising and slaughter of animals. Then again, who else would take such good care of them?

Want to go upstairs? The creep show? Let me show you the bedrooms. The attic is off limits.

Three bedrooms. Take your pick. On the left, shadows are seen floating across the wall. Humanlike. Soundless but present. The middle bedroom? Noises and puppets throw themselves to the floor. The master bedroom? Little girl crying in the the corner of the room. Visible, clothed in a white dress and and drenched in tragedy.

The attic? Nobody goes there.

Take it in. What more do want? Then go. You didn’t see anything? Disappointed. It’s the nature of hope. What were you hoping for? 

Switch your disappointment into reluctant satisfaction. You saw nothing but the spirits do not show themselves to sate your greed.

Yes, yes, one creepy house. Auras. You saw something through the window? Of course you did. Pay and expect. Convince yourself and drive home happily. It’s a story for the kids.

Stone, wood, glass, concrete. Tangible elements of a simple structure. History dictates otherwise and humans leave their trace. Souls want to be heard and death is not the end of us. 

I will leave this house now. The sceptics can take control. I will pity and love the lost souls in this place. They break my heart but I am glad that they will not suffer the pains of life.


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