Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » A Ghost Story

A Ghost Story

Around the campfire, tired, no…worn-out Anticipating a good night’s rest as a scout, Our leader insisted that we listen intent Before heading back to our awaiting tent. We poked at the fire; we could vaguely hear Sounds from a cemetery not so very near, And the howl of a wolf, at least, we thought As he spoke of a war battle near here fought. As his story unfolded I could see in the glen Battalions of soldiers, at least a hundred men All dressed in white and strangely heavenly, He said they appear each summer eternally. According to the story, I swear it was true, But as a brave scout, I knew not to boo-hoo. [5 – A Ghost Story] Written July 16, 2022 Submitted to “One in Five 2 Poetry Contest” Sponsored by Joseph May

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/17/2022 10:13:00 PM

This is a marvelous ghost story! I felt like I was there. Good luck in the contest Hank!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/18/2022 8:39:00 AM

Thank you, Caren. I hope Joseph likes it.

Ann Foster

Date: 7/17/2022 10:09:00 AM

as a brave scout... love that... we need to all be brave. Well done. Ann

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/17/2022 12:03:00 PM

Thanks, Ann. Although, I must confess that I was never a scout. I wanted to be but my family could not afford it. I went to church camp.

Jenna Logan

Date: 7/17/2022 8:35:00 AM

This must be a true story... ghostly visions, indeed.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/17/2022 8:37:00 AM

Good enough, Jenna. Although, I went to church camp. I was never a Boy Scout. Poetic license, you know.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/16/2022 9:31:00 PM

You get a medal for bravery, Milt. I would have been OUTTATHERE!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/17/2022 8:35:00 AM

Thanks, gw. Believe me, it was harrowing!

Michael Tor

Date: 7/16/2022 9:31:00 PM

Great times Milton with friends by the camp fire sharing stories and some frightening ones. Those were the days now your afraid to send your kids to the boy scouts with all the predator stories you hear. Sad day in America when you have to question sending your son to the boy scouts. When you and I were growing up it was much different then today. Enjoyed reading Milton...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/17/2022 8:36:00 AM

Thanks, Michael. I just helped a boy get his Eagle Scout, and he told me he would not be letting his kids join the Scouts. I thought that was very telling.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 7/16/2022 6:57:00 PM

Ah, the campfire stories. Brings back some old memories for sure!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/16/2022 7:00:00 PM

For sure, Jeff. I remember them well.