Alone in the Shadows

Through the darkened room she walked
tip toeing across the floor
the lightning had cut the power fast
a storm brewing upon the moor

It left a chill, clinging to the night
so upon the hearth, she lit a fire
it was nights like this, she dreaded most
the dankness, dark and dire

Or was it really, the forlorn she felt
each time her lover set out to sea?
leaving her to bear the cold emptiness
all alone for countless weeks

But she tried to put things out of mind
it does little good to dwell on fate
so a cozy spot, in front of the hearth
might ease these yearnings, she had of late

As she slipped into a peaceful dream
a creaking woke her with a start
for she expected no callers, on a dreary night
it caused a thumping within her heart

With a cautious step, she neared the door
on the other side, an ominous howl
stepping back, she dared not open the latch
dreading something fierce and foul

Then the lightning flashed, lighting up the sky
revealing shadows to alarm
why was no one here to keep her safe
would some intruder mean her harm?

She heard footsteps, coming ever near
dragging across the porch, in mournful stride
hitting the floorboards, quick and hard
she'd have to find a place to hide

Now a crash of thunder, seared through the air
breaking the silence from within
she didn't hear the door, slowly opening
as a large figure was entering in

She slouched down, into a corner
her body trembling in horrendous fear
the shadow of a figure, ten feet tall
hovering about, and getting near

Thinking if she could only reach the door
would she be able to get away?
but a force she could not understand
kept her from leaving, so here she'd stay

She resigned that this might be her end
should this intruder find her out
but still, she tried to keep from screaming loud
as this creature roamed about

But soon the lights began to flicker
power returning, as the storm moved on
and it was not a creature of the night
but her lover, who had finally come home

Oh, the relief she felt that moment
and a little silliness, for being so scared
her imagination getting away from her
seeing things that just weren't there

She quickly ran up, approaching him
open arms, thrilled he was home from sea
but his body passed through hers, with a chill
wondering, Dear God, how could this be?

Was this only a dream, he an apparition?
would he be at sea, forever lost?
but what she didn't understand, right then
was that it was SHE, who was the ghost