The spirits made their visitation
not at midnight but at
half past three in the afternoon,
soaking wet
and grumbling
about the nasty damp weather.
Why don’t you keep it warmer here?
Colder in than out, said one,
stepping through the wall and back
to emphasize his point,
enough to freeze the marrow –
this with a sidelong look, yes,
we all know
but don’t go and say it now –
stoke up the fire my lad,
let’s see a carbon footprint in here
for god’s sake,
let’s have a spark or two
to warm the non-toes.
They squatted just above their chairs,
carried on
about bygone days.
Me, I stayed far back
in my corner, not wanting
to be accepted into
this convivially grumpy group,
sweating in the heat from
the blazing fire
that sent spooky shadows chasing
all around the crowded room.
