Ghosts

footprints in the mud
down the back alley
behind the discount store

dark shadows steaming
against the brick wall
right at the loading dock

I saw two become one
it didn't grow
just got heavier

I heard it clap wetness
in the dusk and felt
the corner chill to cold

warnings not to pass by here
depravity waits with black cats
witches hats and ghosts

A haunted life of loneliness waits
unless someone pays the price
for tricky visits and pocket treats

in blood, in breath, in innocence
a shortcut to those houses
with expensive shell-outs

ghost in, ghost out
the monster waits for justice
to treat him for his trick