Barbie Doll Shadows

The children that played On the stairwell that night Were giggling and laughing At their little friend’s fright For while they were jumping And playing on beds She walked down the stairwell Alone; then she fled. She knew that she heard it. The sound was quite clear. Only she on the stairs Along with her fears – No one believed her. They laughed; and she sighed. Then, ran to their mother. And told her wide-eyed. The mother said softly. There’s no need to fear. The ghosts in this house Are not real, little dear. When at last she was calm And went back up to play. The children were ready There were pranks on that day. Upstairs in their bedroom The lamplight was on The window was open. The breezes wafted by. A Barbie doll taped In the lamp by her hips – The other girls giggled Each one smirked tight-lipped. When back with the others They were jumping on beds. Soon huddled together, They pointed with dread. The curtains were moving. Subtle puffs of the wind. Shadows on sheers swaying, “We saw a ghost, there!” She swore as she screamed, I’ll never come back!” “This place is haunted And that is a fact. No adult reassuring Could undo her fright. She stayed awake and watched To the other girls’ delight – When the party was over, The children went home. The others still laughing About the joke of the night – It was three years later In the darkness of night, I walked down the steps And had the same fright! Shhhhh! Happy Halloween. Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen October 24, 2014 Written for Poetry Soup Member Contest Ghost Stories Sponsor Kelly Deschler