Ghosts

Ghosts

   Now that the Holy Ghost
   is the Holy Spirit,
   ghosts get little good press.
   Are reserved for gothic tales
   or tamed into
   Halloween pin-ups.
   Despite the parodies,
   I'm in favor of ghosts.
   Would welcome one.
   I imagine my father
   again drinking coffee,
   holding a "Grandpa" mug,
   hand transparent as Saran Wrap.
   Or leaning over the pool table,
   A convincing facsimile,
   Focused on a bank shot
   I haven't seen him make
   for years.

--Sr. Pat Schnapp, RSM Adrian, Mich.

COPYRIGHT 2007 National Catholic Reporter
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning