Classic Poem

TO-DAY I entertained a ghost —
And yet he came in live man's guise,
With ready hands to greet his host,
And living eyes.
I touched his hand and watched his smile,
I answered to the words he said,
And marveled, knowing all the while,
The man was dead.

For I had known him quick indeed,
With life of tears and life of mirth,
A living heart to beat and bleed,
A thing of earth.
And even I had watched him die
Seeing these live things quitting him.
As when a soul goes quietly
And eyes grow dim.

But this ghost looked with living eyes,
And this ghost's hand was warm to touch.
Perchance had I not been so wise,
Knowing too much,
I had not guessed what horror springs
When these unliving walk again,
BerefTof love and hate — such things
As make live men.