Ghosts that Walk

If it is dark

and if you walk

into a street that is 
glum and dark,

you may hear

coming from rear

sounds of footsteps

loud and clear.

If it is dark

and dogs bark,

you may not see

but there they will be

ghosts that walk

in the streets

 glum and dark.

 If it is dark

and dogs cry,

you shouldn’t try

to look at ghosts

who may not shout

but are surely out

in the streets 
glum and dark.

And, if you must

then carry you must

a smouldering match stick

clenched in your teeth,

and don’t forget

to loudly breathe

through clenched teeth.

 And then you will see

that just in a wee

the ghosts that walk

in streets 
gum and dark

will tremble in fear.

And it will be a fun

to see them run 
and quickly scamper

in a foul temper.

© i b arora