One Night In a Haunted Manner

I missed a blind corner one grim stormy night, On a dark forest road, with no phone. The crash was severe, but what gave me more fright Was I had to walk out all alone. A mile, maybe two, and there loomed into view An imposing stone manor, quite old. I felt somewhat spooked, but I guessed it would do For relief from the drizzle and cold. Despite my loud knocking I heard no reply, Though some embers from somewhere glowed red. The door opened wide when I gave it a try, And its groan somehow filled me with dread. I crept toward the flickering warmth where I found A mere wisp of a man in a chair, So pale in appearance he hardly seemed sound— Like a shadow that’s only half-there. I saw he was napping and hadn’t a clue, So decided to give him a tap, But to my amazement, my fingers went through His left arm and right down to his lap! I gasped in sheer horror and rushed out the door, Though I never before had believed In spirits or hauntings or vampiric lore, So I wondered if I’d been deceived. This mystery troubled me long years ago, But I now understand it: you see, That car wreck I mentioned was fatal, and so... The ghost wasn’t him; it was me. --- Date Written: January 16, 2019 Contest: One Night in a Haunted Manor, sponsored by Tania Kitchin