The Pasture Ghost

The Pasture Ghost Late one eve within the pasture, In the half-moon's fainter glow, To the milking place I ventured Boy-like, half afraid to go. I had dilly-dallied, hunting, Past the usual milking time, Till from way off in the clearing Came the cowbell's tinkling chime. Through the stumps and brush there flickered Many a startled bird and bat. Then appeared there right before me, Sure, a ghost in shroud and hat! And an arm at me a pointing, Plain as anything could be, In the half-moon's light a swaying Plainly as my eyes could see. Startled by the apparition, Every hair upon my head Bristled in affright, as o'er me Shiveis i an of fear and dread. Then I whistled up my courage, Grabbed a limb, and with a blow Whacked that ghost, to find it nothing But a big white stub aglow. Oft since then by things I'm startled, Oft the creepy chills of fear Worry till my judgment falters Viewing things as they appear. But that ghost in our old pasture Shows me what I fear the most. When assailed with proper courage, Vanishes as did the ghost. Albuquerque, N. M. Joseph Longking Townscnd *Supposed to have risen or sprung from the ground they inhabited.