Ghost

[A very recent and true story] She arrived like a ghost in the night Her light blue eyes showing no fear or fright She didn’t scratch and she didn’t bite So I knew we would get on all right She checked every cupboard and tried every bed I wondered what thoughts she had inside her head She itched a few times and so I was aware That her fur might have something living in there She had had a home for she knew how to play And she stayed and she played for most of that day Was somebody somewhere missing my ghost Was I to be merely that day’s willing host I didn’t know what to do that next night Somebody somewhere may fear for her plight If I locked her in she might want to go home Or maybe she’d rather be free to just roam At midnight I gave her the hug she desired I bid her goodnight, locked the doors and retired It was still dark when I woke with a yawn When she wanted out at two hours till dawn Through the back door into darkness she went She moved with determined but graceful intent She briefly looked back and I swear that she winked Then into the gloom my visitor slinked Returned to my bed until my time to rise Then looked for my ghost with the light blue eyes And now with the clock saying twenty to ten I wonder if I’ll see my ghost-guest again.