Don't be Afraid of Ghosts

Some people are afraid of ghosts,
And spirits, ghouls and orbs,
And every ghost forever boasts
Of those it disturbs.

Hearts shivering in awe and fright
Make apparitions proud,
What power, what control, what might,
With flapping of a shroud!

But don't you feel afraid of wraiths,
For little harm they do-
It is the living you must face
That often damage you.

A ghost can't kill, or hurt or sue,
Or file for divorce,
Infect you with the Spanish Flu,
Or threaten you with force.

All they can do is howl, and flap
The folds of ghostly cloth.
No flying fists, no plastic wrap
To make your mouth frothe.

The living, on the other hand,
Are those you should fear;
Embrace the ghosts, transparent, bland
As friends and lovers dear.