The Haunted
I live with ghosts. Ghosts aren’t spooks. They’re memories that you’ve clung onto so long they start to cling back. Hands you held so tightly, you can still feel their touch when they’re gone. Voices that ring through empty rooms.
Ghosts can be five years old with pokey toes jabbing you in the night as you sleep, and sixteen next morning, when a song comes on that she loved back then. Ghosts can disappear as you reach them, or hang around all day.
Ghosts can stay even while their souls go on living, having kids and grandkids of their own.
elmowrites 
I like the thought of those ghosts (memories) having kids and grandkids of their own.
Thank you. I didn’t want to leave the story on the idea that all the ‘ghosts’ had died before the narrator, so I’m glad you liked that line.
This is one of your best and has given me a perfect new insight into the things that go bump in the night of my mind. Thank you.
D.
Lovely to see you lurking there, Doug, and thank you for the comment. This story actually started out a lot bleaker, but it didn’t fit together well; I think this version is cleaner as well as more bright.
Cheers!
I like the idea of memories as ghosts that live on, a bittersweet but comforting thought.
I think most of us have this kind of ghosts; seeing them in a positive light is a nice way to have them around.
The ghosts do cling, don’t they. Some for the better and some for the worse. As long as they don’t hold us back from our futures.
Oh yes, Ms J, amen to that.
Yes, so true. Ghost are the memories of those people we need to speak to, but never did, and now it is too late.
I hope those who need to speak can find peace in talking to the ghosts instead; like writing a letter you never send.
Ghosts need to be appreciated, not feared. A thought-provoking piece indeed!
Here’s mine!
Thanks Keith!
What a lovely and thoughtful piece. You led up beautifully to your insight that some of the ghosts were still alive, with children and grandchildren of their own.
Thank you Penny. This one definitely took some crafting, so I’m glad it still flowed for you.
Dear Jen,
I have so many of those ghosts clinging to me. ❤ Beautifully written. Applause!
Shalom,
Rochelle
Aww, thank you! That’s going to make me grin all day.
I was about to say this is a haunting piece, but that seemed a bit too much on the nose. Love the atmosphere it creates though. This is the kind of story that will stick with me for a while. Great job.
-David
Oh I like creating that kind of story, David. I hope it haunts in a good way!
Jen
A thoughtful piece, memory is magical
Thanks Michael, it is indeed.
Oh this is certainly a true ghost story. Well done, Jen.
For so many people, I think. Thanks for stopping by!
My pleasure.
I love this, Jen. Ghosts get a bad rap… I like to think most are like the ones you describe so beautifully here.
Thanks Dale. I’ve never met an angry ghost, but I think most of us have a few of these ones hanging around!
I haven’t either (and don’t wish to!) and I think there is some comfort in having the lovely ones about.
I enjoyed where you took the prompt, Jen.
I like to call them spirits rather than ghosts.
There’s a negativity associated with that word.
But, this felt ethereal. Happy Easter 🐣
Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
Thanks Isadora, I understand your choice of wording too. Happy Easter indeed
Beautiful. I just love where you took this – perfect ending too. I note your comment above about that, and I’m glad you went with the positive feeling.
Me too, Margaret. Thanks for your kind words
That’s an inspiring thought, Jen. Well done.
Thanks Sandra!