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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Ghostwriter in the sky


the ghost and his dreadful pet
haunt me yet—
streaming, gleaming from the skies
howling, yowling mournful cries
dancing, prancing 'fore my eyes
my fear I fear I can't disguise
terror, trembling, ague, and yet
I somehow like
his dreadful pet

                                 © Kay Davies, 2012


Over at the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, my friend Ella asked us if we believe in ghosts (I think maybe I do). Then she asked us to write a haunted poem using a line from previously published verses, some of them famous, from the list HERE.
However, I was just googling around today and, when I saw the above photo, my poem wrote itself.


Image credit: T.A. Rector/University of Alaska Anchorage, H. Schweiker/WIYN and NOAO/AURA/NSF Aug., 2009 with wide-field Mosaic Camera on Mayall 4m telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory

17 comments:

jabblog said...

Fabulous photo and your words complement it perfectly:-)

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Your poem is terrific. I like the ending, "I somehow like his dreadful pet," which makes me think of horror stories and how I love them (they're fun) and hate them (they scare me) all at the same time. Nicely done!

Marian said...

oh i love this, Kay! i saw that photo earlier this week and yowza, it freaked me out. :) but i did not consider "his dreadful pet." how clever! just what i expect from you :)
happy halloween!

hedgewitch said...

Ha! love this Kay--and even a ghost pet is probably lovable, I think.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

What an astounding image. Loved your poem. I believe in ghosts too - I just try not to think of them very often, as dont want to invite them into my space!

Leslie said...

just the right touch of spookiness for halloween :)

Susie Clevenger said...

Those dreadful pets do have a tendency to grow on you...love your Halloween story!

Daydreamer said...

I don't think I'd mind a ghost pet.
Great spooky poem Kay. :)

Margaret said...

...I'd NEVER go out at night if I saw this image for real...even if he had a pet! Nice comical twist to the prompt.

Jenn Jilks said...

Well done, as always! Happy hallowe'en.
Cheers from Cottage Country!

Ella said...

I love this chanting poem! It had a magical spooky feel~
Happy Halloween :D

Helen said...

A most delightful Halloween rhyme!!!

Unknown said...

Oh, Kay, I like this one & the photo. Words "dreadful pet" add such a twist to your poem!

Leave It To Davis said...

Wonderfully done and great inspiration!

Scarlet said...

What an intriguing picture ~ I do like his dreadful pet ~

Kerry O'Connor said...

That picture is amazing! Your poem suggests something even scarier than the ghost itself.. the dreadful pet. A lovely resonant piece.

Mara said...

Love the poem, not so sure about the photo. It looks like someone spilled some milky coffee on a glass top and then took a photo of it from beneath, while the fairy lights were on in the ceiling.
Oh my, I would be great with those inkblots!!