A Ghost Story
Ghost is not a ghost, but instead, a boy named Ghost. The most ghost-like quality to Ghost is that he tends to feel lost, as if he is helpless, floating through the winds of life. Other people scare Ghost. He believes that if he shuts his eyes, people could pass right through him. Ghost tries to smile more; he heard it was good for you. Ghost doesn’t like his smile; it has the opposite effect on him. A lawyer once handed Ghost a box with a bow and said, “You’re going to like what’s inside, trust me, I’m a lawyer.” Ghost tore the box open, and it was empty. Ghost smiled (as much as he knows how) and said, “Thank you.” The lawyer took off a mask and wasn’t a lawyer, but Ghost’s mother, who later became a lawyer. This is when Ghost first thought that if he shut his eyes, someone could pass right through him. Ever since, Ghost assumes that all boxes are empty. He likes to hand one to everyone he meets, wrapped in the nicest bow he can find. Ghost prides himself on giving people what he knows will make them feel seen. Sadly, these people tend to disappear, much like actual ghosts; yet, Ghost is happy with nothing – why isn’t everyone else?
A Ghost Story: previous edition (TextPowerTelling)
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Family Therapy
Let me tell you two things about trauma: it’s an ingredient, not the main dish. Trauma is the meat of a sandwich. Being funny when you’re ugly. Being hot when you’re not. As for that second thing? Who cares, get over it.
Previous edition, originally titled “Trauma”: Semi-finalist in Poetry Nation’s National Amateur Poetry Competition
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UNTITLED Manuscript (2026) – In Development
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