The Only Ghost I Ever Saw

The only ghost I ever saw

Was dressed in mechlin, —so;

He wore no sandal on his foot,

And stepped like flakes of snow.

His gait was soundless, like the bird,

But rapid, like the roe;

His fashions quaint, mosaic,

Or, haply, mistletoe.

Hi conversation seldom,

His laughter like the breeze

That dies away in dimples

Among the pensive trees.

Our interview was transient, —

Of me, himself was shy;

And God forbid I look behind

Since that appalling day!