Ghosts from a Christmas Carol

by Ian Hunter

Horrific Scribes Extremity Rating:

The three prints on the wall
must be out of order, you think
Mind struggling to recall that classic tale
The first one shows the Ghost of Christmas Present
brimming with joy, life, the moment
The middle one captures Scrooge huddling
next to a meagre fire
startled by the ghost of Marley
The final print depicts Scrooge cowering
before a gravestone bearing his name
face hidden behind trembling hands
It is a scene shrouded in darkness
save for the pointing hand
Yes, a hand, not a skull, you finally realise
A hand pointing downwards
which moves, finger pointing at you,
Bending to invite you to come closer

Later, in your hotel room
you will hide your face too