the man who owns the corner store

burns sage and incense to keep the spirits away

he can’t see his wife hovering by the sodas

coughing up smoke and tending to her burns

 

the lady at the bus stop

says she doesn’t believe in ghosts

she smacks her gum and listens to jazz

and her old dog begs for her to recognize him just once

 

my aunt gets upset and angry

when her brother asks about grandpa

her face turns red and her eyes ignite

she can see him, she just doesn’t want to anymore

 

sometimes dad jumps at the sight of his sister

fading in and out of existence in the den

he thanks her for her visit but she doesn’t ever answer

even though he wishes she would

 

a man stands at one tree every day

without anyone to haunt or visit

with the rope still around his neck

and the note still in his hand

 

they leave the same way every time

weakening and wavering

their lights dissolve

the scent of smoke and blood lingers

sometimes mixed with old perfume