Seeing

A stranger once said there's a ghost in the house.

But it's a benign spirit, she added, hastily, seeing the fear cross my face. He watches over you, a companion, you know.

I did not know.

Until I was told. Telling is frightening; knowing even more so. (He was told in jest, put up a tent and I'll buy you a crystal ball. Read them the future while I sell my wares outside.)

I was scared to know, but still, I asked.
How am I?

He told me what he saw.

And none of them were ghosts.

*painting: Gustav Klimt's FARM GARDEN