Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GHOST, by BLANCHE C. HARDY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GHOST, by                    
First Line: The poor ghost stood by the window
Last Line: "shut that door,"" said the master."
Subject(s): Family Life; Ghosts; Supernatural; Relatives


The poor ghost stood by the window,
And the room was bright within;
The good-man tired with his labours,
And the housewife settled to spin.
The dogs lay sleeping beside the blaze,
And the children laughed and romped at their plays—
"Oh!" cried Avice, "how the wind blows cold,
God grant the sheep are safe in the fold!"
"Amen," said the master.

The sad ghost peered through the curtain,
And the room was gay with light;
"An excellent meal," quoth the master,
And the housewife's smile grew bright.
But the old dog sniffed by the fire's side,
And the children stopped, and their eyes grew wide—
"Hark!" cried Avice, "how the wind blows loud!
And look, in the candle—a shroud! a shroud!"
"Hush, hush," said the mistress.

The good-man laughed and filled his pipe,
And the wind blew fast on the moor;
She crept from the warm hearth-circle
To lift up the latch of the door.
"Oh, my love, is it you that are calling?" she cried;
"Ah rest, for it's soon I'll be there at your side!"
And a breath came out of the whirling night,
And a cold hand fell on her tresses bright—
"Shut that door," said the master.





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