Knowing that I often write about ghosts, people ask me if I’ve ever seen a ghost. Well… I have never seen a ghost, but I have felt one’s presence and have seen unmistakable signs of his presence. Several of my very grounded and level-headed family members and friends, however, have actually seen ghosts. But those are both stories for another day.
Today, I’m focusing on another question that I’m asked: “Why do you write ghost stories?” I answered that question a few years ago in my poem, “Ghostwriter”. (My title is a play on words—as in one who writes about ghosts, not the usual use of the word–as in one who writes for other people and allows them to take credit for the writing.)
Ghostwriter
by
Kathryn Louise Wood
Why are you always reading about ghosts,
or watching their hunters on reality TV,
or searching for clues on the Internet,
or writing them into your stories and books?
These are the questions my husband asked me,
forehead creased in spousal concern.
Well that’s a good question; I’ve given it thought,
and wondered, myself, at this strange fascination.
So, after some probing and inner reflection,
I think I’ve discovered the root of my quest.
Two things have always stirred deep in my psyche:
the spellbinding thought of a magical world,
and life after death where lives never end.
I’ve seen too much, and heard even more,
to dismiss the existence of bodiless souls,
spirits so free of earthly constraints,
they pass through walls and visit the living.
That non-corporeal realm seems magic made real.
The promise that all that we are is not lost-
when days are numbered, some many, some few-
lends comfort but also a thrill of intrigue
to think we are all so much more than we seem.
I salute those who find their Belief is sufficient
in resting assured of eternal existence.
I find that the Faith of My Fathers is bolstered,
renewed, and strengthened, and greatly supported
when the stardust of supra-natural beings
reminds us, all, we are made of the same.
Thanks for stopping by.
Y’all come back now! (And with sweet April’s arrival, may the ghost of winters past rest in peace.)
Kathryn