ignore that moaning sound.
It’s nothing but the wind
howling down the chimney.
When the floorboards creak
it’s the house cooling down,
so they tell us … and the like.
Don’t let silly things spook you,
send shivers down your spine.
That tap-tapping on the ceiling –
no need to be afraid, merely
hailstones on the roof.
Thunder has a roar
far outweighs its bite;
a coalman on his rounds,
delivering to heaven
and that zigzag flash of light,
a pack of naughty sprites
with a fistful of fireworks.
Believe what you will
sweet sister mine, except
the sandman’s on his way,
so don’t you cry.
A few miles down the road
you’ll get the drift.
Grownups are often right,
but not as many times
as they’d have us children think.
Take God, for example,
never seen him in my life,
yet he exists, some insist,
so we’d best say our prayers
to be on the safe side.
Whatever our beliefs,
wise to keep an open mind.
Right now, all I care about
is drifting on the air,
up the stairwell.
The sound of pinewood
crackling in the hearth,
the smell of dad’s tobacco.
Things that really matter
I believe in. Cross my heart
and hope to die.
Comments
MistakenMagic | November 22, 2008 - 17:15
I loved the last stanza! And yes, there are far too many cynics out there :) Just wondered if 'ignore' is supposed to have a capital letter at the start of the poem?
Magic xxx
Bradene | November 22, 2008 - 17:56
I feel there is a lot more to this than meets the eye Tina I may be wrong of course but the clue for me was in the Final stanza. Beautifully written as usual. Val x
Silver Spun Sand | November 22, 2008 - 18:01
Hi there, Magic. As to your pertinent query with the first line. The title of the poem is, "Don't believe in ghosts ..." and the first line, 'ignore that moaning sound," is a run on from that. I agree that with the title divorced from the poem (as it appears on ABC) that is not made very clear. It would be better if I repeated the title perhaps, so I shall think about it:-)
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting me know.
Tina xxx
Silver Spun Sand | November 22, 2008 - 18:03
You are dead right, Val - always so expert at reading between the lines as you are.
Your comments more than appreciated.
Tina xx
MistakenMagic | November 22, 2008 - 18:15
Oh I see, I did suspect that it was a run on as I've seen this many times, particularly with Ted Hughs' poems. Now I realise it's fine as it is :)
Silver Spun Sand | November 22, 2008 - 18:55
How on the ball you are, Magic! Ted Hughes. Now you ARE talking. A sad loss to the world ... must be about ten years ago now, I guess.
Tina ;-)
MistakenMagic | November 22, 2008 - 19:49
My history teacher got me into him. A truly amazing poet and literary hero, I just hope he doesn't know that I forgot his last name has an 'e' in it! :)
Magic xxx
tamara | November 22, 2008 - 23:02
Fabulous piece,very diverse T,you are so blessed at writing in so many different styles,this one gets me ticking!Lynne x
Silver Spun Sand | November 23, 2008 - 08:45
Lynne, thanks for reading and am glad you liked it. I can hear you ticking from here!!
Tina :-)x